VIGILANTES have left an assistant store manager fearing for his life after mistakenly identifying him as a child-sex offence suspect.

Richard Greaves, 27, has received death threats, hate mail, had his tyres slashed and his car written off during the hate campaign.

Police said he was an innocent victim after a man with a similar name was accused of indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

Richard Grieve, 33, of Spring View, Blackburn, is due to stand trail at Preston Crown Court after pleading not guilty to charges of indecent assault and breach of a sexual offences prevention order.

Mr Greaves, who also lives in the Witton area of town, said he was living a "nightmare" and was afraid of going out at night.

The first letter, which was posted during the Christmas period said: You like playing with kids do you?' Mr Greaves, an assistant manager at the town's SpecSavers store, said: "I didn't know what on earth the letter meant.

"Then my car was vandalised.

"All four tyres were slashed with something sharp and it had the words Nonce' written on it.

"Then another letter came just after the New Year which said in big black letters next time it's you'.

"It all became clear when my manager saw a newspaper article about a man with a similar name, who is of a similar age and lives in a similar area."

Mr Greaves said he just wanted to clear his name and be allowed to get on with his life.

He said: "I am an innocent victim who is being harassed. I just want to show that they have got the wrong person. It's terrifying.

"I have never committed a crime in my life.

"I am a respectable member of the community.

"I'm not sleeping. I'm on edge all of the time and it's affecting my heath.

"The police have advised me to stay in and not go to the shops at night just in case but I have done nothing wrong.

"I have been round to all the neighbours to explain what has been happening.

"I just want it to stop because it's a complete nightmare.

"I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

"I have the full support of my friends, family and colleagues but it has been such a stressful time."

A police spokesperson said: "Mr Greaves has been the innocent victim.

"Criminal damage has been on an innocent man's property.

"Police inquiries are continuing in relation to this.

"I would urge anyone with information to help police identify who was responsible to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212.