Police are warning people to be wary of a scam relating to the death of Colonel Gaddafi, after letters offering people a share of his millions dropped through doors in Calne.

The letters, which claim to be from an agent operating on behalf of investment bank Goldman Sachs, say $430m of the fallen dictator’s money has been deposited in a bank in China and is ready to be dipped into.

It reads: “Due to my position in the bank and Goldman Sachs, I cannot claim the funds in my name, neither can my close associate do, as the international community is on deck to trace all funds belonging to the late ruler.

“But the aforementioned sum is 100 per cent safe with the company.”

It goes on in a bid to tempt the reader: “If you are interested and possessed the managerial ability to handle a project of this magnitude, I have worked out a sharing formula – 35 per cent of the total sum will be for you, while 65 per cent will be for me as the principal.”

It concludes by asking to be contacted by email, supplying a yahoo email address. Police said a number of the letters, which have been hand-signed, have been delivered to houses in the area and they have received a number of complaints.

Sergeant Phil Connor, of Calne Police, said: “These types of scams circulate throughout the country on a regular basis. I would advise people not to enter into any communication at all with them and to inform trading standards if they do receive letters or emails.”