FRAUD officers have launched an investigation into alleged "irregularities" at Worcester City Council.

Police officers from the Force Economic Crime Unit's fraud section are carrying out an inquiry into the May elections, prompted by members of the Asian community.

Forensic tests have been ordered amid claims that unauthorised proxy votes were cast using the names of people out of the country and that some people voted more than once.

The former leader of the council, David Barlow, believes evidence of irregularities could even prompt a by-election - which might alter the balance of power.

Worcester City Council's chief executive, David Wareing, declined to comment except to say that the allegations referred to All Saints ward, which stretches from Lowesmoor and Castle Street to Cherry Orchard.

In May, the Conservative candidate, Allah Ditta, secured the ward seat, toppling Labour's Robert Peachey. He won 736 votes, compared to 673 cast for Robert Peachey and 180 for the Liberal Democrat candidate, Roger Hammer.

Members of the Asian community living in All Saints ward had first raised complaints, said Mr Peachey.

"I know of at least one person who voted twice and his name has been passed to the police," he said.

He also alleged proxy votes had been cast without the knowledge of people on the electoral roll, who were in Pakistan at the time.

Coun Ditta said he had heard allegations "since day one", but believed they were rumours which would die out.

"I've not had any contact with the police about this," he said.

Coun David Barlow, who has talked to the police about the matter, said a question mark also hung over the May 1999 elections, when the Conservatives won an All Saints seat.

"This matter has been going on for 18 months," he said. "A police officer told me there's been jiggery-pokery, but it's not tied to any one person."

A West Mercia police spokesman confirmed that anti-fraud officers were investigating "alleged irregularities".