A NUMBER of election posters and banners around the Island have been damaged and removed.

The government warned weeks ago that anyone caught removing or defacing posters, banners or display boards erected by candidates for this Thursday's House of Keys general election may face arrest and prosecution.

A spokesman said at the time: "The Isle of Man Constabulary will treat any incidents of this nature as theft or criminal damage and deal with offenders in accordance with the law."

A police spokesman said today: "The individual police neighbourhood teams are examining these matters. This is a particularly important year for us (the Island) and all the candidates deserve the due respect of the electoral process."

The spokesman urged everyone to remain vigilant to make sure election posters are not vandalised.

isleofman.com will be publishing the election results as they happen on Thursday night.