A LABOUR candidate has accused an election rival of "dirty tricks" after a police investigation into allegations of electoral fraud in a Bolton Council ward.

Ismail Ibrahim, who was questioned by police, hit out at Neil McAlister, one of his political rivals for the Rumworth ward, for making the claims.

And on Friday, after police dropped their investigation into the allegations, Mr Ibrahim declared: "There has been a very bitter campaign in the Rumworth ward."

Detectives dropped their inquiries on Thursday night into claims that Mr Ibrahim had taken ballot papers from electors and helped to complete voting slips.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said no evidence of malpractice had been found.

Mr Ibrahim, who runs a newsagent in Derby Street, voluntarily attended Bolton Central police station to deny the accusations made by Mr McAlister, who is representing the Left-wing RESPECT party in the ward.

Mr Ibrahim, aged 31, of Essingdon Street, said he was delighted police had dropped their investigation.

The father-of-four said: "I always denied these allegations and I am pleased the police have come to the conclusion that I have done nothing wrong.

"There has been a very bitter campaign in Rumworth and some parties have stooped to a very low level."

Mr Ibrahim walked in to the police station after the Bolton Evening News informed him that detectives were investigating an allegation of electoral fraud.

But on his doorstep beforehand, he bitterly dismissed the allegations which had been levelled against him.

"It is completely untrue," he said, "but sadly I am not surprised. But, I repeat, I have done nothing wrong."

It is the second time that police have been asked to intervene in the election in Rumworth.

Last week, a senior officer took the unusual step of branding a mystery election leaflet attacking the Labour Party as "distasteful".

It showed pictures of Iraqi troops being tortured by American soldiers, and hit out at the Government for allowing homosexuals in the Cabinet.

A spokesman for the Labour Party said: "As soon as we heard the rumours circulating through Bolton that our candidate was being accused of these matters, we insisted he co-operate with police inquiries.

"We are delighted the police have not found any wrongdoing."

After the police dropped their inquiries, the Bolton Evening News tried to contact Mr McAlister, but he was not available for comment.

Chief Supt Dave Lea, head of Bolton Police, said: "We have examined these allegations and we are happy that no election malpractice has occurred in Bolton."