A POLICE investigation has been launched into allegations that a former mayor and her staunchest critic were involved in a confrontation among the gravestones of a town's cemetery.

Councillor Pat Walker, former mayor of Middlesbrough, and self-appointed civic expenses watchdog Joan McTigue were involved in a scuffle between the headstones in Thorntree Cemetery.

Cleveland Police have confirmed they are looking into an complaint of an "altercation'' in the cemetery.

Mrs McTigue,who recently called on the Standards Board to look into Coun Walker's expenses, had been dead-heading roses at the side of her grandparents' grave at the time of the incident.

Solicitors acting for Coun Walker say their client is adamant that Mrs McTigue was the instigator of the incident, but added it would be inappropriate to comment further in the light of a police investigation.

Coun Walker, the wife of Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of the Cleveland Police Authority, has made a complaint and a statement to the police.

Mrs McTigue has also made a complaint and is expected to make a statement to police with her solicitor, Jimmy Watson, today.

A spokesman for her legal firm said: "We are fully co-operating with the police in assisting to investigate Mrs Walker's behaviour.''

Mrs McTigue has asked the Standards Board to investigate expenses claims made by a number of councillors, including both Mrs Walker and her husband, who is a former leader of the council's controlling Labour group.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "A complaint has been received by police and it will be investigated.''

Coun Walker was not available to speak to the Press yesterday.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: "Middlesbrough Council has received no complaint. Councillors have to sign up to a national code of conduct and any alleged breaches of it are investigated by the National Board. Any complaint would be referred by the council to the National Board."