A MAFIA-STYLE campaign of fear has left a disabled couple afraid to leave their home.

An animal heart with a knife through it was left in a box on the doorstep of Charles and Dorothy Coote’s home.

The couple have also endured death threats, arson attacks and human faeces being left at their home in Arundel Close, Leytonstone.

Mrs Coote, 57, was also attacked outside her home by two men who hit her over the head at 4pm on Wednesday.

The couple have no idea why they are being targeted and are desperate to be rehoused.

Retired Mr Coote, 67, said: “The heart had a knife going through it and candles spelling out Dot and underneath was a sympathy card."

Mrs Coote, 57, said: “We had a fire in our back shed and then on July 30, there was a fire in another container which had all my garden furniture in it.

“A couple of days after that, someone came and made a fire under my bedroom window.”

She added both she and her husband had received messages telling them they would be shot.

Mrs Coote said: “I've had threatening letters made out of cut outs from magazines left on the doorstep."

She added her friends and family had also been threatened and the problem has left her living in constant fear.

The attacks often take place during the day, Mrs Coote said, and the most recent threatening phone call was made on Tuesday.

The couple, who are both disabled, say they have repeatedly asked council housing manager Ascham Homes for a move without success.

Retired Mr Coote, 67, said: “They don't seem to want to help us. We can't get any information.

“They keep saying they're waiting for more police reports.”

His wife, who suffers from a condition which causes blood clots, now fears the stress caused by the attacks could be putting her life in danger.

She said: “I'm taking Warfarin and it could cause internal bleeding and I wouldn't even know about it.”

A spokeswoman for the police said: "Since July 28 there have been a number of incidents against a couple living in Arundel Close.

"Police are appealing for witnesses to these incidents, and would urge anyone with information to call DC Potter on 8345 3035 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting crime reference 4919611/09."

An Ascham Homes spokeswoman said: “Ascham Homes is extremely concerned to hear about the problems Mr and Mrs Coote have suffered and have supported an application to the Council to find alternative accommodation for the couple.

“The council considered the request to move on August 18 and is awaiting further information about the nature of the problems from the police before a final decision is made

“Ascham Homes has also installed improved safety measures on the property and replaced damaged fencing and a gate.

“We will continue to support their application to the council for alternative accommodation and work with the police as they investigate the case."