A man allegedly dressed as a monk has leafleted houses in St Albans with homophobic material.

Homes in Pageant Road, Sandridge Road, Sopwell Lane, Upper Heath Road, Walton Road fell victim to the hate mail over the Easter weekend.

It is believed that the leaflets were posted through the letter box by a man who is now said to be out of the county.

Police are currently investigating the incident and are keen to point out they do not take such incidents lightly.

Chief inspector Ken Townsend from St Albans Police said: “We are fully aware of the upset caused by these leaflets to residents over the Easter weekend. It is not believed these leaflets were distributed in a targeted way - particular people were not singled out.

“I would like to reassure residents that we are in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service in order to act towards a positive outcome.”

It is thought that this is not an isolated incident and the man in question has committed similar offences across the country.