Police investigating allegations of electoral fraud committed at the South Thanet election count say questions were raised by a non-Kent resident.

The complainant made the allegations "after seeing comments online".

In a brief statement this evening Kent Police said: "On Monday, May 11, Kent Police was contacted by a member of the public from outside the county with a concern around election fraud due to speculation on social media in South Thanet.

"Initial enquiries by officers have been carried out and so far no evidence of electoral fraud has been found."

Thanet council has also released a statement regarding the investigation, and said it was satisfied correct processes were followed.

"A single complaint has been lodged with Kent Police by a member of the public, from outside of the county, with concerns around the Thanet Parliamentary election - following speculation on social media.

"Kent Police has an obligation to follow up this complaint. Thanet District Council is not under investigation for election fraud.

"The council’s Returning Officer is satisfied that the correct processes were followed and a member of the Electoral Commission was present at the election in Thanet.

"In response to the speculation on social media: Thanet’s parliamentary boundary is larger than the district boundary – extending into the Canterbury and Dover area so comparing the parliamentary and district election results is misleading. There were no lost or stolen ballot papers."

It comes after Ukip leader Nigel Farage's defeat by Conservative Craig Mackinlay for the Thanet South seat at last week's poll.

The result prompted Ukip supporters to claim Mr Farage's defeat was rigged, and the hashtag #thanetrigged trended on Twitter.

Party activists claimed the length of time it took to declare the results was proof of suspicious behaviour.

Ukip’s victory in the local council election was further proof, they said, that the party had so much local support that Farage should have won in Thursday’s vote.

But cynics have pointed out the length of time it took to count the votes may have been due to the very high turnout of 70%.

The local Ukip party in Thanet says it did not make the complaint to Kent Police about possible electoral fraud.

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