Catherine Tate target of 'poison pen' letters

Police are investigating claims that TV comedienne Catherine Tate has been targeted by a 'poison pen' letter writer.

According to The Sun the 41-year-old - best known for sketch programme The Catherine Tate Show as well as her recurring role in Doctor Who - is understood to have received "malicious communications" at her home in south-west London.

The authorities are thought to have been first alerted to the complaint by Tate's husband, Twig Clark, in January.

"We can confirm that police received a complaint from a 35-year-old man on Sunday January 17 regarding malicious communications," a spokesman from Scotland Yard confirmed. "Detectives from Richmond-upon-Thames are investigating."

Tate has reportedly been left "chilled" by the contents of the letters, which are said to have accused her of being unfaithful to her husband.

"The letters were nasty and caused great alarm," a source said. "They contain completely false allegations. Catherine is understandably incredibly upset. It's very sinister."