POLICE are investigating allegations of voting irregularities at a key marginal seat in the General Election.

Tory candidate Karl Poulsen, who was beaten by more than 8,000 votes in Tynemouth, called in police, claiming that ballot box rules were broken.

The investigation centres on claims by two of Mr Poulsen's representatives that they saw the deputy returning officer sifting through votes on his own. The official could face prison if the allegations against him are proved.

Mr Poulsen is not asking for a recount, as he admits that his Labour rival, Alan Campbell, would still have won, even if there had not been tampering.

But he has demanded action over the events, at North Tyneside Council's offices in North Shields.

Mr Poulsen said: "Two of my people went in on Thursday morning for the final round of counting of postal ballots and found the deputy returning officer alone in his office.

"He had a previously-sealed ballot box open on the desk and there were ballot papers spread across the desk as well.

"The Representation of the People's Act says once the ballot box is sealed with counted or verified votes inside, it should only be opened in the presence of a number of officials and party representatives."

A Labour Party spokesman said: "Obviously it is important the election is seen to be fair."

Chief Inspector Derek Scott, of Northumbria Police, said: 'We can confirm that we are investigating a complaint."