A postman has been accused of leading a four-year terror campaign against politicians and various organisations by sending letters containing white powder or racist threats.

Jefferson Azevedo, from Portsmouth, has been charged with nine offences under the Anti-Terrorism Act. His alleged victims included Tony Blair and the office of the Attorney-General. Tests on the powder showed it to be virtually harmless in the amounts sent.

Mr Azevedo, 45, has also been charged with sending a further nine racist letters. He is also alleged to have planted a hoax bomb and a swastika flag on a bridge over the A27 in Havant, Hampshire, in February last year.

Police have been investigating more than 150 letters sent to prominent people and organisations between 2003 and 2007. Mr Azevedo has been released on police bail and is due to appear at the City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 13.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “The charges follow a long-term investigation into more than 150 letters that were sent between 2003 and 2007.”

Detective Inspector John Geden added: “The charges laid are the result of extensive inquiries by Hampshire detectives spanning several years and across the whole country.”

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