Police warn Ferdinand and family after death threat

POLICE are investigating a "graphic" death threat sent to Anton Ferdinand, who is at the centre of an increasingly bitter race row with England and Chelsea captain John Terry.

The letter was delivered by hand to the Queens Park Rangers training ground on Friday, The Sun reported. A police spokesman confirmed that officers are investigating a "malicious communication". Ferdinand and his close relatives have reportedly been advised to install panic alarms at their homes.

Ferdinand has been subjected to increasingly venomous attacks since claims that Terry abused him during last month’s match between Chelsea and QPR. Both the police and FA are now investigating the incident.

Last week the QPR defender received racist tweets from fans of Terry. One said: "RT this you fucking black cunt, 1 England captain" from an anonymous user. Anti-Ferdinand songs were heard from Chelsea fans during their Champions League match with Genk last week.

Despite the ongoing investigation, John Terry has been picked for Fabio Capello’s England squad, although the Italian says he will not play in the match against Spain. ·