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Qassim Afzal

Defeated Liberal Democrat candidate Qassim Afzal has made a formal complaint after gathering sworn statements from residents in the area who claim their votes in the local council poll were stolen.

Qassim was defending his council seat but was beaten by Labour challenger Afzal Khan by 220 votes. It is understood about four dozen people have complained someone else cast their votes.

During the sometimes bitter election campaign, posters bearing Qassim's name and image were daubed with the word 'scum' and some supporters who put posters in their windows reported their homes were stoned.

Police were called in to stand guard at polling stations to prevent intimidation and Labour officials were prompted to broadcast a warning against cheating on Asian Sound Radio.