A RETIRED police officer is warning pensioners to ignore a 'witchcraft-style' scam letter aiming to scare people into giving money.

Royce Gardener, a former detective sergeant and crime prevention officer at Newport, is urging pensioners to ignore the letter which claims to give happiness, power and a minimum win of £700,000 on the lotto.

It also urges them to touch a sphere shape and chant. But it says anyone ignoring the letter - and its demand for £135 for a 'karmic neutraliser' - will live a life of 'chronic bad luck'.

"I am concerned for all pensioners. This is a very scary letter which uses witchcraft to really frighten people," he said.

The letter was sent from Switzerland to OAPs in Mr Gardener's Caerleon Retired Pensioners Group.

He said: "One of them was very confused and the letter was quite disturbing, so I told her I would warn others.

"I would advise everyone to be on guard, it is very unlikely that you will get anything for nothing.

"If something sounds too good to be true - ignore it and if you get a letter like this bin it, if someone calls you by telephone - hang up."

Mr Gardener, who was a member of the force for 30 years and is also chairman of the Gwent Police Pensioners, said: "Letters of this nature are disgusting. How can people torment the elderly with a form of witchcraft?

"Some of them could be terrified, and they can't afford to pay £135 to 'rid their life of evil'.

"I have contacted the police and they say they can't tell how many letters have been sent out at this time but they will probably be circulating all over Gwent."

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: "Letters demanding payment to change luck or fortune are simply scam letters designed to extort money from vulnerable people and should be ignored and destroyed. If in doubt, report it to the police."