The elections in Tower Hamlets have been marred by reports of election rules being broken, with the Electoral Commission launching an investigation into the allegations.

Canvassers were seen crowding outside polling stations and urging voters to back their candidates, despite police officers being posted at every site.

This could breach the council’s own election protocol, which was adopted to avoid the vote fraud allegations of the past.

One resident, Hasan de Silva, saw canvassers harassing voters at the Malmsbury School polling station in Coborn Street.

Red Flag candidate Andy Erlam he saw “significant intimidation of voters” by several parties outside polling stations in Parnell Road and Morville Road.

There were also reports of chaotic scenes and irregularities as votes were counted.

The Electoral Commission said: “Clearly there have been issues at the Tower Hamlets count. We will be looking closely at what happened during the count, as well as the planning that took place beforehand.”

Acting Supt Helen Lewis of Tower Hamlets borough police said: “Although we have received no allegations of harassment, intimidation or fraudulent behaviour at polling stations, we would be keen to speak with anyone who has concerns.”