A COUNCILLOR and Asian community leader is under police investigation after a complaint from Burnley Council, it was revealed today.

The bombshell news comes three days after Liberal Democrat Coun Mozaquir Ali was due to appear before a special standards panel of fellow councillors to answer a charge of alleged misconduct.

Coun Ali failed to turn up for the hearing but left a message from his solicitor which gave reasons for his non-attendance and the hearing into allegations that he had breached the council's code of conduct, took place in his absence.

Police today confirmed they were carrying out inquiries concerning Coun Ali, who heads the powerful Community Forum group in his Daneshouse ward.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Peter Simm said police received a complaint from Burnley Council several months ago concerning an allegation made against Coun Ali.

DS Simm said: "The inquiry is regarding an alleged failure by Coun Ali to disclose a particular interest in a council matter.

"We are still carrying out investigations and the council has agreed not to make a public statement pending these inquiries. I cannot give any further details at this stage."

Burnley Council officers refused to comment on why they asked councillors to set up a special panel in November -- the same time as they complained to police.

Although Monday's standards panel reached a decision on the complaint, the town hall officers said the outcome would not be announced until after a private report goes to April's full meeting of the council.

The council said non-disclosure was aimed at protecting the member.

Coun Ali today declined to comment.