A spokesman for the returning officer at the Glasgow North East by-election has confirmed that police are investigating three ballot papers.

In what is known as ‘personation’, the spokesperson confirmed that three voters had turned up to cast their ballot on Thursday to discover that their names had already been crossed off the voting register.

One person turned up at Alexandra Parade Primary School, while a further two turned up to St Dennis’ Primary School, which are both in Dennistoun.

While the police continue to investigative, the spokesman said that the incident was not a “clerical error” and all three votes ballot papers will still be counted.

Police currently have the ballot papers.

A council spokesman said: "We had two incidents at polling stations where voters turned up and when they identified themselves they were told their names had already been scored off the list - somebody had been given a vote in their name."

He continued: "We checked our processes to ensure it wasn't a mistake, it wasn't as far as we can see, so we called in the police.

"Police are still investigating alleged personation."

Earlier, as the count opened the British National Party’s candidate Charlie Baillie claimed that not only will his party keep its deposit for the first time in a Scottish election, but they could finish third behind the SNP and Labour.

Mr Baillie has also claimed his party could achieve as much as ten per cent of the vote. The votes are currently being counted at the SECC in Glasgow.

STV News understands the turnout for the by-election could be the lowest in Scottish political history.

It is thought that a maximum of 35% of the electorate decided to vote in the election. If that is the case, the turnout at the constituency will be even lower than in Falkirk West in 2000, when Eric Joyce won the day after a turnout of 36%.

Results are expected to be announced at around 12.30am.