POLICE have launched a fresh investigation after the new Mayor-elect of Pendle's car was broken into just weeks after his home was targeted in a brick attack.

Coun Mohammed Iqbal, of Chapel Street, Nelson, was in bed at home when the incident happened early on Wednesday, and various council documents were stolen.

His wife and four young children were also in bed at the time a brick was thrown through the passenger window of his Toyota Carina.

Council documents, including an election document, letters from constituents and officers' replies were taken from his car. Coun Iqbal said he was sure the incident was of a political nature.

He went on: "I had an expensive CD player in my car and that wasn't touched. My wife's car was also parked in front of mine and they didn't touch hers."

His home was attacked three weeks earlier when thugs threw a brick through his window following a heated meeting of Pendle Borough Council to elect the new mayor.

Coun Iqbal, who represents Bradley ward for the Labour Party, was elected after a Labour motion was passed and current deputy mayor Fred failed to be elected.

Coun Iqbal said: "My family have been upset by the attacks and it makes you think 'what is coming next?' but we have got to get on with our lives.

"I have lived round here for most of my life and we get on well with all our neighbours and they can't believe what is happening to us.

"People have been asking me if I am having second thoughts about being mayor but, to be honest, the whole thing has only made me more determined to succeed and do a good job for the community."

A police spokesman said: "The incident has been reported to us. Thieves smashed the passenger side window to gain entry to the car. Several documents were stolen and we are treating it seriously."