POLICE and health chiefs have issued a warning to patients in East Yorkshire over fears bogus letters are being sent out.

A letter sent to a woman claimed to be from Castle Hill Hospital in Hull and invited her to attend its cancer unit, but she became suspicious and contacted her GP. It was then discovered no official NHS letter had been sent, and police have confirmed the message was a fake and may be intended to provide an opening for burglars.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Osborne, of East Riding CID, said: “It is possible the bogus letter was sent to the patient as a way to ensure she was out at a particular time, presenting an opportunity for the premises to be entered and items stolen.

“I am looking into the possibility this could be new bogus official scam, so the author of the letter can burgle their home, although at this stage it is only a theory.”

Police say anybody who receives an unexpected appointment letter should phone Humberside Police on 0845 6060 222 if they have concerns.

Phil Morley, chief executive for Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, saying: “We do not send letters to patients out of the blue.”