Police are said to be investigating ‘threatening’ anti-asylum seeker letters which have been sent to councillors and businesses about the Portland barge.

It is understood the letters sent through the post have come from a far-right group and are related to the Bibby Stockholm barge at Portland Port.

The Echo understands these letters contain "threats to damage property and intimidate people" who are linked to the barge and support asylum seekers.

Members of Weymouth and Portland town councils have been advised to hand the letters over to the police if they receive them.

Local businesses have been warned by the We Are Weymouth organisation (the town BID) to not engage with the letters and inform Dorset Police.

A spokesperson for Weymouth Town Council said: "The council has been made aware from Dorset Police that letters have been sent to local businesses and Councillors.

"Councillors have been given guidance if they receive such a letter and have been asked to inform the police who are looking into this."

Pete Roper, Portland town councillor, said: "We have been notified of literature which has been sent from some organisations.

"It is a sign of division in the community which is really sad.

"It is a worrying escalation, we don't know what is next.

"We have to be concerned about our personal safety now."

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset said: "I am shocked. I condemn in the fiercest terms anyone who sends threats to any politician or indeed anyone.”

He added: "I hope the police are informed and whoever has sent this gets a knock on the door from the police.

"It is completely unreasonable. About 99.9% of councillors are against (the barge) but the fact is that it is here and we can't ignore it, we need to ensure it does work."

The Echo has contacted Dorset Police for comment.