WEST Yorkshire Police have warned they are on the alert for postal voting fraud in next week's local elections.

As ballot papers for the forthcoming local elections are being delivered, voters are being reminded that a "rigorous approach" will be taken to all allegations of fraud.

Assistant Chief Constable David Crompton said: "Unlawful or fraudulent voting activity is extremely serious and as has been previously demonstrated, allegations will be thoroughly investigated.

"West Yorkshire Police and the acting returning officers for each district are committed to sharing information and records at their disposal in order to identify where suspicious activity may be taking place."

A quarter of all police forces investigated allegations of fraud at last year's elections.

Two men were arrested in Bradford during investigations.

Mr Crompton urged voters who felt someone was trying to influence them to contact their local acting returning officer.

Police and the Crown Prosecution Service would consider any evidence of unlawful conduct and, if necessary, bring prosecutions.

Voters are being reminded that they should fill in their own ballot paper and, wherever practical, post or deliver the ballot paper themselves.