Inquiry into hate mail sent to athlete

Police are investigating hate mail sent to the world triple jump champion, Jonathan Edwards, it was disclosed last night. The letter which sparked the inquiry was sent to the Tyneside-based athlete's training centre at the Gateshead International Stadium six weeks ago.

Officials there forwarded the letter, which had been posted outside the North-east of England, to his business address in Newcastle where it was opened and the police called in.

Mr Edwards is currently at the World Athletics Championship in Athens, but detectives hope to interview him on his return. Meanwhile, the letter is being subjected to DNA and fingerprint tests and hand-writing analysis. It is understood similar letters have been received by Mr Edwards in the past, but this is the first to have been reported to police.