TRADERS were sent death threats after complaining about Tesco’s decision to stop offering free parking.

A hoax letter, purporting to be from the European HQ of the supermarket chain, was sent to at least five businesses in George Street, Hove.

The menacing messages come after they spoke out about the plans for the store in nearby Church Road and has been reported to police.

Handwritten, with the word “classified” emblazoned over it and featuring Tesco logos and slogans, the letter is signed by a Mr Raoul Sol and tells how the company has ways of “getting rid” of its “enemies”.

The author warns ultimate force will be used if anyone stands in his way, in the form of nerve gas or injection of ricin – which is toxic and can kill – by umbrella tip.

It read: “Almost all opposition to our decision to stop free parking in Tesco car park, Hove, England, has been crushed.

“However, it has come to my attention that small pockets of resistance are still active in the George Street area.

“Many people in the past have sought to interfere in our affairs and have paid the price. We are now informing you that any further resistance encountered will be confronted by ultimate force.

“We therefore strongly advise you to co-operate with us.

“Please do not make the mistake of underestimating us as this would be to initiate disaster upon yourselves, and consider yourself warned about the possible consequences if this warning is not heeded.”

While it is clear the letter is not official correspondence from Tesco, some traders feared the threats were real and were too scared to talk about it.

Others thought it was ridiculous or were enraged their right to speak freely on concerns which could affect their business had been met with threats.

Julian Pelling, owner of Fine Records, reported the letter to police immediately.

He was visited by an officer who took it to be inspected and the incident is now being investigated.

He said: “I was rather horrified by it. I contacted the police because it talked about using nerve gas and ricin.

“It was possibly written by somebody not in possession of all their faculties but you can never be too sure.

“I’m annoyed I’ve been targeted because I’m spoken out about something which affected my business.”

Hannah Chu, owner of Venus Nails and Beauty, was sent an identical letter and thought it was strange.

Willow clothing boutique, Lala’s café, and Truffles bakery were also targeted.

Central Hove councillor Andrew Wealls told businesses to ignore the threats and continue to try to work constructively with Tesco.

The letters came after traders spoke out in February of their anger over plans to ditch free parking at the store. They feared it would “kill off” business.

Councillor Clare Moonan launched a petition calling on bosses to reverse the decision. 

A Tesco spokesman said the company was investigating the letters. 

A police spokesman said: “The letter is clearly a hoax but the threats are worrying and it has now been collected by police who are investigating the incident.”

He appealed for anyone with information about the sender or who had received similar letters to call police on 101 quoting 666 of 11/04.