1,948 threat to life notices issued by police

At least 1,948 "threat to life" notices have been issued by police forces across the UK telling people their lives were in danger since 2012.

Men and women aged 17 to 74 were among those to receive the so-called "Osman warning" letters, according to figures from 27 forces, which were released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The total number of warnings is likely to be much higher as police in West Midlands, Merseyside and Greater Manchester – which has been investigating shootings potentially linked to the death of gangland "Mr Big" Paul Massey – were among the forces which refused to provide figures.

West Mercia Police, which covers Shropshire, said 10 Osman warnings were issued in 2014, compared with 21 in 2013 and 33 in 2012. The force said four were issued to women in 2013 and five were issued to women in 2012.

The force did not reveal how many were issued to women in 2014 over concerns they may be identified.

Dyfed-Powys Police refused to reveal the number of threat-to-life warnings issued in 2015, 2014 or 2013. The force issued seven Osman warnings in 2012.

West Midlands Police, North Wales Police and Cheshire Constabulary refused to answer the request because it would exceed the cost limit set out by the Freedom of Information Act.

Staffordshire Police refused to reveal the number of threat-to-life warnings issued in 2014 because it could "heighten the risk to individuals and possible identification".

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said Osman warnings had proven "highly effective" in helping to protect people "in the overwhelming majority of cases".

Len Gridley, a vocal opponent of the Dale Farm travellers' site, said he received a "threat to life" warning notice after a death threat was made against him.

He said: "The police sent me a letter and sent someone over to check the safety of my property.

"When you receive something like that, it puts more things in your mind. You're a bit more aware and safety conscious.

"As time passes, you can't let it rule your life, otherwise they win. It was a waste of time in my case but I'm not saying that applies to other people though."

Threat to life warning notices - or Osman warnings - are issued by the police if they become aware of a real and immediate threat to the life of an individual.

They were started after businessman Ali Osman was shot dead in east London in 1988 by a teacher who had previously said he was thinking of committing a massacre.