Elections fraud figures revealed

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Forty-eight fraud cases were reported following last June's European and English local elections, figures show.

Of these, one resulted in a prosecution and another in a police caution. Some 17 cases are awaiting further advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

More than 15.5 million votes were cast at the European elections and nearly seven million votes in local elections.

The Electoral Commission said the elections had been free from major fraud but warned against complacency.

The 48 cases reported to police involved 107 separate allegations of electoral malpractice.

But more than half of these resulted in no further action.

The case that led to a prosecution covered included seven allegations.

We remain vigilant and will investigate where evidence of wrong-doing emerges Gareth CannAssociation of Chief Police Officers

Electoral Commission chairman Jenny Watson said: "This year is going to be an important one for voters, with a general election and English local elections.

"These figures are encouraging for voters, who want to know that they can cast their votes safely and that they will be counted.

"However, no-one involved in elections should be complacent and we will continue to work with returning officers and the police to prevent fraud."

Gareth Cann, of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "There is little evidence of fraud on a major scale, but by promoting best practice and learning from previous experience we can further reduce the opportunities for fraud.

"We remain vigilant and will investigate where evidence of wrong-doing emerges."