AIDS workers in East Lancashire have blasted a 'sick joke' letter which tells people they have the killer virus.

The letter was handed in to the HIV Prevention Team in Blackburn by a horrified member of the public.

It claims to be from the Manchester AIDS Support Unit and says:

"I am writing to inform you that your recent test for AIDS has proved positive, HIV positive, that means that you and your unborn baby now have the full blown AIDS virus.

"Please contact me at your earliest convenience."

HIV Prevention Co-ordinator Peter Cash said the letter was obviously a hoax but could nevertheless give some people a terrible fright. "If someone had just been to a doctor they might think it is true," he said.

"It could cause severe anxiety and people who have received positive results in the past have committed suicide.

"The last thing we want is for someone to think this is genuine.

"I hope it is just a sick joke and that the person who has done it does not realise the consequences of their actions."

There is no such organisation as the Manchester AIDS Support Unit and the number given on the letter was not recognised by British Telecom.

Mr Cash also stressed that HIV test results were never sent through the post.

He added that anyone worried about HIV or AIDS could contact the special AIDS helpline on Blackburn 263525 for confidential advice.

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