AN operation has been launched by police to combat election fraud in the wake of a number of allegations surfacing at the polls in East Lancashire.

Police chiefs have pledged to increase the numbers of uniform and plain-clothes officers on delivery days for postal votes.

And they will be working closely with the Electoral Commission to prevent electoral malpractice in the run-up to the May 2 County Council vote.

Investigators are urging people to be wary of any election materials being delivered to their homes which is not addressed to them.

If anyone ask questions about the delivery times and dates for postal votes then police are asking them to be on their guard.

The same is said to apply to anyone who is thought to be paying particular attention to the delivery routes for postal votes.

Police have also pledged to pay particular attention to areas where there have been reports of election fraud previously.

An investigation was launched in Accrington last year amid claims of voting fraud but the inquiry led to no action being taken.

No fewer than three people have been jailed in Burnley in recent years over similar allegations, including two former councillors.

And concerns reached such a peak in neighbouring Pendle that a special panel was established so people could come forward and raise their own concerns.

Borough council chief executive Steven Barnes, Pendle’s returning officer, has also called for tighter controls on the polling process.