CLAIMS that the police will target Bradford polling stations on election day to combat fraud have been played down by local leaders.

MPs were told there will be a “greater police presence” in the city during the campaign after it was placed on a ‘danger list’ by the Electoral Commission.

Last year, the watchdog called for the police to target voting booths in Bradford and 16 other areas – also including Calderdale and Kirklees - where there is a “greater risk” of polling scams.

Gary Streeter, who answers questions for the Commission, said: “Bradford is one of the 17 areas of the country that are receiving special attention from the Electoral Commission and the police in the run-up to the general election.

“There will be a greater police presence in those areas and firm guidance will be given to campaigners. Every police force in the country now has a specialist electoral fraud officer.”

But West Yorkshire Police refused to answer any questions about its strategy, instead directing the Telegraph & Argus to Bradford Council, which as responsibility for election procedures.

And a Council spokesman rejected the suggestion that plans were already in place for a “greater police presence”, as the Commons was told.

Instead, a statement read: “The returning officer, police and the Electoral Commission work very closely on election arrangements.

“Resources are in place to respond flexibly to election demands and the process will continue to be monitored carefully throughout, so that public confidence can be maintained.”

Mr Streeter’s comments came in response to a question asked by Shipley MP Philip Davies, who warned of “cases of electoral fraud and abuse in Bradford West” constituency.

The Conservative MP wants people to be required to show identification at the polling station, which he called a simple way to stop electoral fraud.

However, legislation will not be in place before about 2019 to require voters to produce proof of identity before they are issued with a ballot paper.

Local councils have been told to apply tougher tests on applications to register to vote and require candidates and campaigners to declare their commitment to following a code of conduct.

Mr Streeter said he would pass on a suggestion to the Commission that the “penalties for electoral fraud” be displayed clearly in all polling stations.

Last year, the watchdog said areas on its danger list all tend to be densely populated, with a “transient population” and a large number of multiple occupancy houses.

The Commission also notes they are also “home to communities with a diverse range of nationalities and ethnic backgrounds”.

However, it concluded: “It would be a mistake to suggest that electoral fraud only takes place within specific South Asian communities.”