Sir – You refer (August 12) to a police warning about “aggressive begging” in Oxford, by “gangs of Romanian women” . . . “dressed in fairly typical Romanian clothing, with long flowing skirts and long hair”.

I do not know how familiar people may be with Romania, but I do not recognise any of these things as typical of Romanians.

I have however worked at first hand for 50 years with Romanian gypsies, among other minority groups in eastern Europe. The British Press as a whole seem fearful of making the distinction between Romanians, and Romanian gypsies; or if you prefer Roma of Romanian nationality. They are a fascinating people with many skills, and their own specific behaviours.

It is going to be very educational for the people of Oxford to make their closer acquaintance. These gypsies have their own techniques for earning a living, and they do include aggressive begging and the use of children. It is neither politically nor factually correct to ascribe anything of the sort to the Romanian people. In fact it is offensive.

If by any chance there is an element of self-censorship in reporting the distinction, I would ask you to consider the implications for freedom of expression.

Dr John Nandris, Merton