CARD ARREST

Avon and Somerset police arrest man after probing chilling notes to woman signed ‘your rapist’

The campaign of harassment had lasted for six years, with police having released a public appeal for help to find the culprit

Published: 10:29, 16 Mar 2018
Updated: 10:42, 16 Mar 2018

A MAN has been arrested after police launched an investigation into a mystery stalker who bombarded a woman with chilling greeting cards, signing off as "your rapist".

Detectives released an appeal after a six-year harassment campaign in Bristol, yesterday arresting 68-year-old man.

Chilling notes sent to a terrified victim included one signed off as 'your rapist'Credit: Avon and Somerset Police

Avon and Somerset Constabulary Police said: "The man, from east Somerset, was arrested yesterday on suspicion of harassment.

"The man was interviewed and released under investigation while our enquiries continue."

Police had previously released images of the cards, which had become increasingly graphic in their threats.

The victim, in her 40s, went to the police in January last year, with the notes often signed off with the name "Gordon".

The woman went to police in Bristol after the cards began including threats to stalk and rape herCredit: Avon and Somerset Police

The creep gives their name as 'Gordon' and sends the cards in the Bristol areaCredit: Avon and Somerset Police

The cards use distinct handwriting and mark the notes with five kisses.

At the time of their public appeal, DC Patrick Prescott of Avon and Somerset Police said: "We’re releasing extracts of the offender’s handwriting and signature as we believe someone will recognise the style and know who the sender is.

“Do you recognise this handwriting, the name Gordon or the signature with the five crosses? Do you know who may be sending these cards?

“If you work in a shop which sells cards, or if you work in the postal service, do you recognise the handwriting or the distinctive pattern of crosses?

Police had released an appeal about the cards, hoping that the distinct handwriting and five crosses would look familiarCredit: Avon and Somerset Police

The cards often had an animal theme to themCredit: Avon and Somerset Police

Police had hoped card sellers in Bristol would recognise the designsCredit: Avon and Somerset Police

Another card sent by the mystery writer, who has carried out a six-year harassment campaignCredit: Avon and Somerset Police

“The content is becoming increasingly sexually explicit and aggressive in nature and includes threats to commit rape and stalking offences.

“We’ve been working with a criminal profiler at the National Crime Agency to examine and risk-assess the offender’s behaviour and are continuing to progress numerous lines of enquiry.

He added: "You may recognise one or more of the characteristics but can’t believe the person you have in mind would commit offences like this. It could be a colleague, friend or even a family member.