A BALLOT-rigging row has exploded in Burnley following claims that people were paid £10-a-head to vote Labour in a fiercely-fought election battle.

Police have been called to investigate LibDem allegations that a Labour supporter at the heart of the Daneshouse ward campaign worked a "pay-to-vote" scheme to secure victory for deputy council leader Rafique Malik, a former director of Blackburn Racial Equality Council, at last week's council elections.

An official complaint was lodged by LibDem candidate Fazal Subhan who lost out to Coun Malik by just 65 votes after both men polled more than 1,300 votes -- a victory which will allow Coun Malik to become Burnley's first Asian mayor next week.

Mr Subhan today called for Coun Malik to stand down as a councillor and mayor-elect while the claims were investigated.

Coun Malik said today the police should investigate the allegations.

"I have absolutely no knowledge of this other than the fact that a young man came to me yesterday and said he was being forced to make these allegations."

Burnley Detective Sergeant Peter Simms confirmed Coun Subhan had lodged a complaint in which serious allegations of election fraud had been made and needed to be investigated.

He said officers were hoping the local community would help with inquiries and anyone able to assist should contact him in confidence on 01282 472144.