SCOTLAND Yard said a handful of MPs, including Wirral South MP Ben Chapman and 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.

MPs' expenses latest

Labour MP for Bury North David Chaytor will be quizzed after announcing he would stand down after it emerged he claimed interest payments for paid-off mortgages.

Labour MP for Wirral South Ben Chapman may also face further inquiries after he was exposed as claiming for a mortgage that did not exist.

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.

Mr Chapman said he will stand down at the next election after it was reported he claimed £15,000 for interest on a paid-off mortgage.

MPs' expenses latest