A COUNCILLOR has been arrested and quizzed over allegations of vote-rigging a local council election which he won.

Mohammed Hussain was arrested yesterday afternoon in connection with the inquiry into alleged irregularities on hundreds of postal ballot papers for the Bastwell ward of Blackburn in May 2002.

The Labour councillor was interviewed by detectives and released on police bail, pending further inquiries. Six other people have also been arrested, questioned and bailed as part of the investigation.

Detectives began the probe after the borough's Conservatives made a complaint before the election that Labour activists had collected un-opened postal votes from houses in the area.

Coun Hussain won the election with a 685-vote majority, two years after losing the seat to the Conservatives.

Postal voting has been available to everyone in the borough since 2001 and the Bastwell ward had a 55 per cent turnout at the election - the highest in Blackburn with Darwen borough.

Detective Inspector Neil Hunter, who had revealed that five people were arrested on Tuesday, said today: "Two further people were arrested yesterday and were both interviewed during the course of the day and released pending further inquiries.

"We will be continuing our inquiries to bring this matter to a conclusion."

Phil Watson, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: "The police are continuing their investigation into this matter with the help of the council and as such it is inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage."

A woman who answered the door at Coun Hussain's home early today said he was asleep and unavailable for comment.

Last month, when police confirmed details of the investigation, Coun Hussain said: "I knew nothing about this. I am concerned that there are allegations and counter-allegations being thrown around but I will not lose any sleep over this."

Labour council leader Coun Bill Taylor said: "I am arranging a meeting with the councillor at the earliest convience.

"I am also taking advice at a regional and national level within the party to see what action should be taken at this stage.

"Apart from that, I cannot comment further."