A Labour candidate has been reported to police over claims he bribed voters with a lavish dinner.

More than 200 people attended a meal for Afzal Khan, who is standing in Manchester Gorton.

He is accused of breaking electoral law by seeking to influence voters with the food, a practice known as treating.

Afzal Khan, the Labour candidate in Manchester Gorton, has been reported to police over claims he bribed voters with a lavish dinner ahead of the June 8 vote

Footage of the dinner posted online shows dozens of guests sat around tables laid with plates and folded napkins in wine glasses, as well as 'Vote Labour' leaflets.

A 'Vote Afzal Khan' banner is on display at the front of the room.

At a second event, pictures show guests tucking into plates of food and enjoying fizzy drinks as Mr Khan speaks.

The Liberal Democrats, who are hoping to snatch the seat from Labour, have asked police to investigate whether Mr Khan has broken the law.

A Lib Dem spokesman said: 'Afzal Khan resorting to freebies is a sign of a party that is struggling to push back the Lib Dem tidal wave.

'People around here deserve a fair fight. Mr Khan needs needs to decide whether to continue in politics or pursue a career in catering.'

Electoral Commission rules state that a person is guilty of treating if they 'directly or indirectly give or provide any food, drink, entertainment or provision to corruptly influence any voter to vote or refrain from voting'.

Footage posted online shows dozens of voters seated at dinner tables with bottles of fizzy drinks at the event. The Liberal Democrats have reported the Labour would-be MP to police

A banner urging attendees to voted Afzal Khan at the upcoming election was hung up on the stage as speakers addressed the audience

Anyone guilty of treating can be fined and jailed for up to a year under the Representation of the People Act 1983.

During the 2015 General Election campaign, a Ukip candidate was reported to police after he handed out sausage rolls and jaffa cakes to voters.

The seat became vacant when former Labour frontbencher, Sir Gerald Kaufman, died in February, aged 86

Kim Rose, who was standing in the Southampton Itchen constituency, attended an interview at a police station but was later told he would not face action.

A by-election was called in Manchester Gorton for 4 May following the death of the long-serving Labour MP Sir Gerald Kaufman, but it has now been postponed until the General Election on 8 June.

Mr Khan, who is currently an MEP, has faced accusations that he is taking the result for granted after it emerged he has already started advertising his flat in Brussels.

In an email sent to colleagues in the European Parliament earlier this month, Mr Khan wrote that his 'wonderful studio flat', which comes with its own cellar, would be available to rent from 1 May. He also offered his furniture, which he said he was willing to sell cheaply.

A Labour Party spokesman said: 'We completely deny any suggestion of treating. The events pictured were not organised by the Afzal Khan campaign.'