A couple have been told to restrain their cat or face having their deliveries suspended.

Matthew Sampson was notified by Royal Mail that he and his partner's four-year-old pet Bella is a "threat" to staff, and has been putting staff's fingers "at risk of injury".

The postal company said in a letter that it had been experiencing difficulties delivering mail to Mr Sampson's home in Patchway, near Bristol, because of the "actions of a cat".

Bella was accused of snatching mail from the local postman and putting his fingers at risk of injury.

The couple has been warned their post would be suspended unless their black and white cat is restrained at all times, or a safe alternative post box is arranged.

"We've noticed over the last couple of days that the postman is very hesitant at putting the letters in, and Bella thinks it's a game that he's trying to play," Mr Sampson told the BBC.

"I haven't seen her put her paws all the way through but I think it's fair what they're saying - it's just how they've worded the letter. As to restraining the cat - I'd no way dare."