Lancashire Police commissioner Clive Grunshaw has asked for an investigation to be launched into his expenses after allegations were made over discrepancies in his claims.

An article in the Sunday Times yesterday said Mr Grunshaw - who also serves on Lancashire County Council and Wyre Borough Council - had been shown evidence of apparent discrepancies in his mileage claims.

It is alleged that Mr Grunshaw claimed round-trip expenses from both the county council and the police authority for attending separate meetings on the same day in or near Preston. 

In a statement issued today, Mr Grunshaw said: "Every expense claim I have made has been genuinely intentioned and related to my ward and Police Authority duties, so far as I was aware.

"At no point have I wilfully submitted claims which I know to be untrue.

"These allegations of discrepancies, regarding alleged overlaps in my expenses claims, were presented to me on Friday evening.

"I have requested that a full investigation is launched into these allegations.

"I welcome this and will comply fully with the investigative process.

"I understand that the matter has now been referred the Independent Police Complaints Commission and, therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further."