FURY OVER 12 COPS TO LOOK AT RAYNER

Neighbours' outrage at police probe into council house sale

- PAUL BYRNE and ASHLEY COWBURN

RESIDENTS have told of their disbelief after at least 12 police officers were ordered to investigate Angela Rayner over her house sale.

Neighbours in the Labour deputy leader's old street labelled the investigation "a witch hunt", a "waste of money" and a "smear campaign".

One man said: "Twelve? It's nonsense. He added: "I do understand there is an issue but crikey. It looks like punching down doesn't it." And a long-time resident of Vicarage Road in Stockport, who gave his name as Tony, said: "I think it is excessive. Twelve police officers to investigate seems like a bit of a witch hunt.

"If she has done wrong, then she has done wrong but there are worse shenanigans going on, especially in the Tory party.