DEATH threats sent to two high-profile Oxford bosses are being investigated by police.

Dr Christopher Brown, director of the Ashmolean Museum, has had threatening calls and hate mail since the theft of a £3m Cezanne painting on New Year's Day.

The other target has been the county council's social services director Mary Robertson and her staff, following the closure of an old people's home in Botley Road.

The caller threatening Dr Brown claimed to have the French impressionist masterpiece.

A ransom was demanded for the painting, with threats also extended to Dr Brown's family. He is married with two daughters, aged 15 and 19.

Dr Brown, 54, said: "There have been a number of calls from people claiming to have the painting. I am afraid some calls have been of a threatening nature. "

Menacing messages were also sent to Dr Brown by

e-mail, but it became increasingly obvious that the caller had no connection the highly professional burglary.

Dr Brown, who lives in south London, became Ashmolean director 18 months ago after a 26-year career at the National Gallery.

His wife, Sally, is curator of 19th and 20th century literary manuscripts at the British Library.

Det Insp Trevor Howie, at Cowley Police Station, said a 16-year-old boy from Oxford had been arrested in connection with threatening calls. The teenager was released on police bail.

Social service staff were also sent death threats over the closure of Oseney Court old people's home in Botley Road.

Mrs Robertson says police have been told about the letters but so far no-one has been caught.

Although staff were shaken by the threats they are undeterred and Mrs Robertson said: "There is still a campaign to re-open the home and that is so seriously misguided because it cannot function as a home."

Story date: Friday 18 February

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