Police have been called in to investigate after racist and expletive-ridden hate mail was sent to a Chinese restaurant
Police have been called in to investigate after racist and expletive-ridden hate mail was sent to a Chinese restaurant. The vile letter, which blames Chinese people for the Coronavirus outbreak, was posted to a Chinese takeaway in Denmead. Police Have Been Called In To Investigate After Racist And Expletive-ridden Hate Mail Was Sent To A Chinese Restaurant The ranting letter, which was sent to the Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant in Hambledon Road, accuses Chinese people of causing Coronavirus by eating dogs. It uses disgusting racist language to describe Chinese people. It threatens a “boycott” of all Chinese restaurants in the Cosham, Waterlooville and Denmead areas and also targets the nearby Grandeur Beauty Salon. The beauty salon has now passed the letter to Hampshire Police who are investigating and it is hoped that the sender will be traced due to addressing the envelope by hand with distinctive handwriting. The beauty Salon staff posted on social media: “We are utterly speechless with this letter we have received as a couple of small businesses in the Denmead community and feel very unsafe.” They added: “The letter has already left our hands and in the hands of the police now. We will let them do their job.” Local people have already rallied to support the businesses. Katie Sandiford posted on Facebook: “This is disgusting. I have no words!! Let’s just hope these people get caught as there is no place for people like this. Our support is with you xx.” Janine Pert said: “What evil person could write that. I hope the police are able to find & prosecute them!” Robert Huntley wrote: “What’s wrong with these vile people. Instead of blaming individuals everyone should be working/helping each other out when needed in a time like this. Show some community unity people.” A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “We received a report on 11 March of a letter sent to a business in Denmead linked to speculation about coronavirus. Anyone who has information to help our investigation into this incident should call 101 quoting 44200092531. Any crime perpetuated through ignorance, prejudice or hate is unacceptable. “We are working with our partners and the local Chinese communities and we would encourage everyone to report incidents to us either by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. “Reports can also be made online on the Hampshire Constabulary website, through True Vision or using the growing network of Third Party Reporting Centres for hate crime.” We carefully considered whether or not we should use the images showing the highly offensive language in the letter. On balance we decided to redact sections of the letter, despite the fact that the recipients had already published the unredacted letter on social media.
