A woman claims she is £50 out of pocket after cash sent to her in the post went missing.
Mother-of-four Michelle Lewis, of Allectus Way, in Witham, says she received a card from her brother last week which had been slit down the side and the money he sent removed.
Ms Lewis's brother Gary Robinson says he posted the envelope containing a card and £50 cash in Kensington, London, on February 24 before going to catch a flight.
His sister received the envelope three days later last Friday.
Ms Lewis said: "I recognised his handwriting so I ripped it open and read the card which mentioned the money, but there was no money in it.
"I looked on the floor, there was nothing there, and ran out to the postman who gave me a number to call."
Mr Robinson, from Boston, USA, said the cash was both for his sister and the children, whom he hoped to treat to a holiday in Disneyland, Florida, later in the year.
A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: "The envelope itself was inspected at the delivery office and we apologise for it being delivered in a damaged state.
"What generally happens if items are damaged is they are resealed in special clear plastic bags and delivered.
She added: "Royal Mail advises customers wanting to send anything valuable through the post to always use our special delivery service comes with compensation and insurance."
Published Friday March 5, 2004
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