SCOTLAND Yard has said a handful of MPs, including Bury North MP David Chaytor, could face full criminal inquiries into their expenses claims.

Senior officers and prosecutors announced they want more information on a "small number" of allegations.

David Chaytor, whose constituency covers Bury North, was this week barred from standing for Labour by party chiefs following allegations he claimed interest payments for paid-off mortgages.

It is understood the cases centre on whether MPs who claimed taxpayers' cash for "phantom mortgages" deliberately misled the authorities.

But the Metropolitan Police ruled out wide-ranging action against the vast majority of parliamentarians embroiled in the controversy.

Officers believe there is only a realistic chance of prosecution in cases where it can be proved individuals misled Parliament's Fees Office.

Police said they needed more information before deciding whether to open full investigations into these cases.

Mr Chaytor said he will pay back £13,000 after admitting an "unforgivable error" in continuing to submit £1,175 monthly bills for a paid-off loan.