AN ex-Army Royal Engineer who is an active member of the Chippenham community is disgusted and appalled after letters left in his street branded him a paedophile, an accusation he completely denies.

Chris Oakley, pictured, has reported the incident to police, who confirmed to the Gazette this week there was no truth in the accusation.

Now he is offering a £250 reward to anyone who might have evidence which could identify who left the defamatory and highly offensive letters.

The letters were left on cars parked on Lowden Avenue overnight on Saturday. Mr Oakley is not only angry on his own behalf, but also worried about the effect the false allegations will have on his 18-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son.

“I left the house on Sunday and noticed a lot of cars in the road had leaflets on them except mine but I didn’t think anything of it,” said Mr Oakley, 42, who has only lived on Lowden Avenue for two weeks.

“It wasn’t until I got a call from a neighbour that I found out the letter was about me. She sent me a picture of the letter and I was disgusted by it.

“I’m an ex-soldier and quite a tough nut but it did choke me up. I’m worried about how it will affect my children.

“I’ve had a tremendous amount of support from family and friends who have also been disgusted by it. I have got nothing to hide which is why I’m going public with it.”

Mr Oakley has lived in the Chippenham area since he was 13 and volunteers at Chippenham Harriers and Help for Heroes.

In the past he has also volunteered at Doorway, chaired the Enterprise board at Abbeyfield School and been active in the Chamber of Commerce.

He served with the Royal Engineers for eight years and currently works for Thales in Bristol.

Linda Todd, who also lives on Lowden Avenue and rang Mr Oakley to make him aware of the letters, said: “I have known Chris for the best part of a year through the Chippenham Triathlon Club and he is one of the nicest and sweetest person you could meet.

“When I read the note I felt absolutely sick that someone had written something like this about someone I consider a personal friend. He’s an upstanding member of our society and I would like to think the neighbours in this street would realise it’s not a fair portrayal of Chris.”

PCSO Sarah Moth at Chippenham Police said: “We are currently investigating the incident, anyone with information or who can assist us please call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”