A SECOND police investigation has been launched into alleged election fraud in Burnley in the run up to the local elections.

Police said the investigation was launched after a complaint was made that party workers were taking postal ballot papers from electors as they were delivered by postmen and filling them in themselves.

Council bosses, the police and the Royal Mail are working together to carry out the investigation.

Today DS Steve Mounsey of Burnley CID said: "We can confirm that we have received a number of allegations which police are currently investigating."

Earlier this month, a probe was launched after council staff became suspicious at the number of applications for proxy votes to enable people to vote on behalf of others.

Officials were concerned that a number of those who have applied for proxy votes may be able to vote themselves. That investigation, which centered on Daneshouse with Stoneyholme, is continuing.

Tom Forshaw, Burnley council's deputy returning officer for the local and European elections, said today: "This new allegation has been passed on to the police and Royal Mail and will be vigorously investigated.

"The postal ballot is being well organised in the borough and there are effective anti-fraud measures in place. The public can be confident that the council's election staff, Lancashire Police and Royal Mail are being vigilant to ensure the vote is carried out strictly in accordance with election law and that all electors eligible to vote are able to do so.

"All parties have been told that we will rigorously pursue any alleged fraud."

Mr Forshaw said all party leaders and party workers had been spoken to and had offered their full co-operation.