A sinister anonymous letter has been sent in the post to the owners of an Inverness cafe just days after it was targeted by a gang of youths.
Andrea Miola, who runs Buonissimo Italian Street Food on the city’s High Street with his wife Federica, described the letter as “menacing”, although it carried no specific threat.
Mr Miola spoke out last weekend after saying that a group of up to 10 teenagers caused mayhem at his premises on Saturday afternoon, throwing tables and chairs, and scaring away customers.
Police yesterday revealed that three males – aged 15, 14 and 13 – had been charged with offences relating to public disorder.
They added that inquiries were continuing to identify others involved in the incident last weekend.
With Lake District markings and an Edinburgh postmark, the letter included cuttings from the Press and Journal’s coverage of last weekend’s incident, with the word “CLAN” written on it, alongside a picture of comedian and actor Matt Lucas, with the words “Mummy, Mummy” and “Welcomummy (sic)”.
Mr Miola received it yesterday and has since passed it onto the force.
“It’s very strange. It’s not specific intimidation. But just a few days after the weekend’s events, I think it’s serious enough. For me it is a menace,” he said.
“I don’t care at all. Of course I don’t, but I’m just a bit concerned about my family. I have a family with a daughter and a wife. I don’t know what will happen.”
Police said yesterday that they were aware of the letter.
Meanwhile, confirming that three teenagers had been charged in relation to last weekend’s separate disturbance, Inverness area commander Chief Inspector Colin Gough said: “We are continuing to carry out inquiries into this incident and I hope the public can take reassurance that we will thoroughly investigate anti-social behaviour reported to us.
“I would anticipate that further people will be identified as our enquiries progress and charges will be brought where evidence exists.
“Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable wherever and whenever it happens. It is especially disappointing to have young people involved in this type of behaviour which is highly disruptive for communities, visitors and businesses wanting to enjoy and remember our city centre for all the right reasons.
“I would also urge parents and guardians to check that they know where their children are, who they are associating with and what they are doing so as to ensure they remain safe when out and about and that they are not drawn in to incidents of anti-social behaviour or wider criminality.”