MORE than 150 families are thought to have received personalised letters warning them that a convicted sex attacker is living in their area.

Distraught parents on the Vineries Estate in Gillingham opened their mail on Tuesday to find they had all been sent letters containing newspaper cuttings dating back seven years about a man jailed for indecently assaulting three mentally handicapped women.

One family living on the estate, which is managed by the Moat Housing Group, were so upset they phoned the police. Kevin Larkin, 40, who lives with his wife Jenny, 38, in Lobelia Close, said: "Someone has gone to an awful lot of trouble to tell us about this male sex attacker."

The letters, which are believed to have been sent to all 159 rented properties, were anonymous but very specific. Each white envelope was posted from Gatwick, had a first class stamp and was individually addressed.

Inside were two photocopies of articles cut out from a Sittingbourne local newspaper, dated Wednesday, July 5, 1995. Also contained in the letter was a note saying: "If you love your children beware of who your neighbours are."

Mrs Larkin, who has four children aged between 10 and 15, said: "Since we received the letter, my son, who does a paper-round, has been very concerned about going on his route alone. Also, my daughter, who plays at Strand Leisure Park, refused to go with her older brothers and wanted to stay with me."

Police Supt Giles York said: "We are aware that residents have received this nformation and appreciate their concern. I would reassure all Medway residents that great care is taken to closely monitor all sex offenders."

He added: "If individuals are the target of irresponsible public action the risk to the public is increased as our ability to manage the situation is removed."