Fake letters threatening to poison foxes have been placed around a town.

The fake “pest control” notices, claiming to be from the Dartford Road Allotment Association (DRAA), have been spotted on telegraph poles around Dartford.

However, the group says they have had no involvement, no poisoning is taking place and no outside company has been contracted to do so on its behalf. Police have also confirmed the information shared is false.

The initial letter, which was spotted by a resident in Somerset Road last week, read: “The measures being taken are hazardous to cats, dogs and small children, please do not let your pets or children roam free while this poisoning is in progress.

“The poisoning could take six to eight weeks, it will be carried out by professionally qualified agents who are registered to carry out this work.

“As you are probably aware, we have been mandated by Dartford Borough Council to institute measures on the DRAA site to eliminate rats.

“This letter is for your information and as a written warning that if you continue to feed foxes then the committee will have no option to take the severest action against you which will lead to you being served a notice to quit as a breach of your rental agreement.”

It goes on to say that if people continue feeding foxes in the area, which would also lead to more rats, they they will have “no choice” but to put down “bait boxes”.

It continues: “These will contain an attractant and a rodenticide which is usually a Warfarin compound.

“It is then inevitable that the foxes will come into contact with the poison wither directly or indirectly by consuming dead rat carcases and will themselves die. Warfarin has no antidote.

“I am sure that good sense will prevail and am confident that you will comply with this requirement as the committee is attempting to take the commonsense approach to the very real problem.”

However, the DRAA, which is based at the seven-acre site off West Hill, has slammed the letter, saying it is “not genuine”.

In a new notice put up in the area, the organisation says: “It has been altered to cause disruption and fear amongst our neighbours – by someone who wishes to deceive people.

“To reassure everyone, we can confirm that there is no poisoning taking place, no outside company has been contracted to do so on our behalf, you and your family/pets are safe.

“This is a serious offence and has been reported to the police. If you have any information that could assist, please let them or the DRA society know.”

Police have confirmed they were called at 2pm on Saturday, July 27, to a report that a malicious letter had been secured to various lampposts and street fixtures in Dartford.

A spokesperson said: “The letter contained false information and personal details of an individual.

“Officers have spoken to the person concerned and provided safeguarding advice and reassurance.

“Should further incidents occur then officers will investigate accordingly.”