A warning has been issued after fake letters were posted through letterboxes, claiming people would be have to house refugees if they flew St George’s flag.

The letter said that “patriotic” households displaying the country’s flag will temporarily house refugees because “we know you would be proud to assist your country”.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said it is looking into whether a crime had been committed and the council has warned people not to dial the phone number listed.

Reform councillor Alan Preest, from the Forest of Dean District Council, branded the letters “childish” and “silly”.

A digital scan of a white letter with black writing and the Forest of Dean District Council logo. It is addressed to the 'occupier' and asks the household to opt out if they don't want to house refugees from a tribe called 'Pha Rage' within a week. It purports that houses will receive a mug with the St George's flag on from King Charles III in thanks.

The letter was aimed at houses and streets where flags were flying [Tye Page]

The letter suggested that to thank residents for housing the refugees, they would receive a mug with a St George’s flag on from King Charles.

To opt out, it told readers to dial a number beginning in 098, which are numbers ringfenced for premium rate sexual entertainment services by Ofcom.

Councillor Preest said he first heard about the letter during a council meeting on Thursday and that the letters are “wasting everybody’s time”.

“It is the vulnerable people that I’m concerned about,” he added.

A man around the age of sixty stands close to the camera in front of a hedge and blue sky, slightly smiling with his mouth closed. He has grey, short hair and wears thick rimmed black glasses. He wears a checked white shirt and a navy jacket.

Reform councillor Alan Preest called the letters “childish” and “silly” [BBC]

Tye Page, who lives in Lydney, was with his neighbour when she received a copy of the letter.

“She opened it up and started laughing,” Mr Page said.

“I think it’s just someone having a laugh. Personally, I don’t think there’s any sort of bad feelings.”

Council leaders posted on social media to reassure people that the letters are not written by the authority and that they should be ignored.

Police said they have reviewed the letter and are carrying out enquiries to determine whether any offences have been committed.

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