HOAXERS are thought to be behind a "scaremongering" letter about LSD trips which is being circulated to parents across the region.

The fake warning letter, claiming to be from the Metropolitan Police, gives details about forms of LSD, stating that if taken, they could result in a 'fatal trip'.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hilton, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "These letters have not been sent out by the Metropolitan Police and should be treated as scaremongering."

The letters claim school pupils are being sold a form of tattoo soaked in LSD, called the 'blue star', which can be absorbed simply by handling the paper, and that 'fatal trips' in the form of postage stamp-sized pictures of cartoon characters and clowns are also being distributed.

DCI Hilton added: "Whilst we have no evidence to suggest that these types of drugs are in circulation in the Leigh area or indeed that they even exist, we would always advise parents to give appropriate advice to their children regarding buying unknown objects."