A BEWSEY family have been left fearing for their lives after they received a threatening letter meant for an alleged sex offender.

Mother-of-six Julie Lawton, of Lodge Lane, received a letter from two women last week claiming that a 'J Lawton' had sexually abused them when they were children.

The authors of the hate mail promised to exact revenge on the man who abused them. But instead they are making the innocent lives of Julie and her six children - Dylan, Connor, Stacey, Marie, Carl and Jasmine - a misery.

Julie, who has lived at the same address for more than five years, said: "I am worried that they might petrol bomb my house, I am absolutely terrified. I need to get across to these people what a mistake they have made.

"It's ruining our lives and the whole street is on alert because they think something is going to happen."

Since the letter, which warns the man to watch his back, Julie has received silent phone calls and has spotted a white transit van parked on her drive in the middle of the night revving its engine.

Police have stepped up security at Julie's house and fire officers have fitted the home with smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher.

The letter has a Warrington postcode and police are hoping that whoever wrote it will realise that they have made a mistake and leave the family alone.

PC Kellie Chilton, of Warrington police, said: "We are investigating the matter and Julie is receiving extra security from the police. If anybody has any information they should come forward because this lady is absolutely petrified."

Police would also like to hear from the women themselves so they can find the man they claim sexually abused them.

In June, Julie's son Dylan, aged 11, received a top award from Manchester City Football Club for helping his mum care for his five brothers and sisters after his dad, Michael, died of an aneurysm four-and-a-half years ago.

If you can help police, contact PC Chilton on 652222, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.