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Police were called to two Bristol polling stations today (December 12).

Officers attended Henleaze Library on Northumbria Drive on two occasions as ballots were cast on polling day in the General Election.

Later on, police dealt with a disturbance at a polling station in Brainsfield in Westbury on Trym.

A polling clerk, who wished to remain anonymous, told Bristol Live he called police due to tellers intimidating voters.

An Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman did not comment on this allegation, but said officers supported polling station staff as part of the exercise of their powers.

"The presiding officer is responsible for the security of the polling station and has the power to order a person’s removal," she added.

"Officers were initially called soon after 9am following complaints about the behaviour of three people - two women and a man.

"Only one woman was there on officers' arrival and she was advised about her behaviour.

"Police were called again at about 1.10pm to reports of a man causing a disturbance.



"The man left on the instruction of the presiding officer but attended another polling station in Brainsfield where he was again instructed to leave in the presence of police officers."

Tellers help parties by waiting outside polling stations and collecting electoral registration numbers of voters as they enter or leave.

Under election rules, they must stay outside of polling stations and are not allowed to get in the way of someone entering.

Voters do not have to speak with them. If asked, tellers must explain why they are there.

Tellers help their parties identify supporters who have not yet voted, so they can be contacted and encouraged to vote.

For the latest news in and around Bristol, check back on Bristol Live's homepage.