As many as 7,000 pieces of mail are believed to have been “with-held” over a period of at least eight years by a postman.

In recent weeks, countless residents across Braintree and farther afield have been receiving envelopes and packaging minus their contents along with an apology letter from Royal Mail.

 

Royal Mail has since come under fire for the way in which it has been dealing with victims’ complaints and the lack of information provided to them.

A Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail has its own investigation and criminal law departments and who deals with such cases.

“I am not able to confirm any other details as the investigation is ongoing and a live case."

The spokesman added: “Royal Mail has a compensation policy for loss, damage or delayed items for stamped and meter mail, normal compensation rules state a customer has to claim within 12 months however, due to the nature of this incident we will be flexible.

 

“Customer Services will look at each customer’s claim and review on a case by case basis.”