West Yorkshire Police are investigating reports that people applying for postal votes in Bradford are being intimidated by individuals or groups claiming to act for political parties.

The allegations have been made as thousands of people apply for postal votes following the Government's decision to lift restrictions which have limited them in previous years.

In some instances, it is claimed that voters in Bradford are being asked to apply for postal votes and then being pressurised into handing the voting forms over to political workers before they have been completed.

The report that people are now being threatened over their votes has been passed on to the police by Bradford's returning officer, Council Chief Executive Ian Stewart.

The latest election shock follows claims by a candidate that he was threatened in a bid to get him to stand down.

As reported in the Telegraph & Argus, Imran Hussain said he had received anonymous telephone calls warning that he and his family were in danger unless he withdrew his application to stand for the UK Independence Party in the Bradford West Constituency.

The reports over misuse of the postal vote were made at a meeting attended by Mr Stewart, candidates, agents and police at City Hall yesterday.

Mr Stewart called the meeting to brief people about standards of behaviour on June 7, both at the polling stations and when the counts took place.

He said there was nothing to stop politicians and their agents asking people to apply for postal votes, but the abuse of postal ballots and impersonation - where people present themselves as someone else in order to vote - was something he was taking seriously.

He said: "I am taking these reports very seriously and this information has now been passed to the police for investigation. I have made it very clear to all candidates and agents that this type of abuse, along with other offences such as impersonation, will not be tolerated.

"I would ask all candidates, agents and party workers to ensure that they obey the law at all times and to report any abuses, either to the police or the council's election services unit so that we can have a fair and trouble free election."

Chief Superintendent Dave Richardson, of Bradford South Police, said officers were investigating the reports about the postal votes and any other electoral issues.

He added: "Allegations of ballot rigging will be investigated and action taken against anyone found guilty of attempting to prevent people from exercising their rights to vote. We would use forensic methods where necessary.

"We are working closely with the returning officer and election services unit to make sure that arrangements are in place so that the election can be carried out in a fair and safe way."

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, leader of the council's Liberal Democrat Group said: "We have written to the chief executive with our serious concerns about postal votes and we need people to come forward with information."

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "There are rumours of malpractice which should be taken very, very seriously. I would like them to be investigated urgently."

Labour Group leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "I am aware there has been serious malpractice in elections in the district in the past. People should realise that any interference in the election process is a serious offence. They can be sent to jail.''