A POLICE investigation has been launched after a Bournemouth councillor received a “vile” email telling him he deserves to die from cancer.

Planning board vice-chairman Cllr Ron Whittaker was sent the shocking message just days before a decision was taken on revised plans for the Terrace Mount hotel development.

The sender, who objected to the scheme and described the proposed development as “a monstrosity,” said: “I sincerely hope you die of cancer before this hotel is built because that is what you deserve.”

Planning board chairman David Kelsey referred to the email at a Town Hall meeting before developers presented their latest plans for the former car park site.

He told members: “Cllr Ron received a particularly vile email about this site. I’m downright disgusted about it.

“It came from someone objecting to the development. It should not be allowed. It is now in the hands of the police.”

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Whittaker said: “The email was very unpleasant and extremely upsetting because, like many families, my loved ones have been affected by cancer.

“Both of my partner’s parents died from the disease – she nursed them until the end.

“After what we have all been through it’s shocking that such a sick individual could send this sort of correspondence. I have sought advice from the council’s legal officer.”

Tanya Coulter, the council’s service director, legal and democratic, said: “We take matters of this nature very seriously.

“We have informed the police and will assist them in any further inquiries.”