PEOPLE are being warned not to respond to a scam letter.

Police were alerted by a pensioner in Chester-le-Street who receiveda copy.

It purported to be from a private investment manager and related to funds available from the estate of a man who had died intestate - without making a will - in China.

The letter did not ask for money or bank details.

But police suspect that once initial contact is made, other letters will follow asking for information that will allow thieves to dupe the the recipient out of their money.

The letter, which is also thought to have been sent to homes in the Durham area, is similar to other scam letters that have been in circulation for at least five years.

PC Ian Choake, of the town’s response policing team, said: "Our advice to anyone receiving a letter like this is to throw it away.

"These letters aren’t genuine and should be disregarded."

Anyone concerned about letters like this should call Durham Police on 101.