A POLICE investigation was under way today after an envelope containing white powder was sent to Euro MP Peter Skinner in Chatham. The letter, which was opened by Mr Skinner's press assistant, Medway councillor Peter Edwards-Daem, was hand-written in blue ink with the vague message: "We know of your involvement".

The incident is being treated as a hoax. Mr Skinner is a senior member of the European Parliament's USA delegation and was in America when the Twin Towers were hit and spoke out against the threats of terrorism.

Cllr Edwards-Daem said:" It was very frightening and now I can understand where the word "terrorism" comes from." He immediately put the letter and its contents into a brown envelope and rang the police.

Ch Insp Alisdair Hope from Kent Police Headquarters in Maidstone is dealing with the matter and the powder is being analysed.

Police spokesman Mark Pugash said: "It is not believed to actually be anthrax and to put the incident into context no anthrax has been sent to anyone in this country." Mr Skinner said today he was not aware of making any controversial comments lately, except to speak out against the events of September 11.

He added: "I have spoken out about how we should work together to do away with terrorism."