Alleged fraud in the recent local elections is being investigated in nearly half of London's boroughs.

Between 25 and 30 offences have been reported in 13 boroughs, the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) revealed on Thursday.

MPA member Tony Arbour said his colleagues would be "absolutely astonished to find out that in half of all the London boroughs there have been complaints".

The Met's Special Branch is investigating allegations of fraud in Barnet, Bexley, Croydon, Ealing, Greenwich, Harrow, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Merton, Richmond, Southwark and Sutton.

An inquiry is also underway in Tower Hamlets to identify victims, witnesses and evidence.

More complaints could follow, as the law allows 12 months to bring prosecutions for such electoral offences.