A Croydon MP's father-in-law has been accused of threatening his would-be neighbours after a town hall meeting.

John Slaytor, father of Croydon Central MP Andrew Pelling's wife Lucy, was reported to police after an incident with Benjamin Morenikeji.

But Mr Slaytor strongly denies any wrongdoing and said he was the victim.

The alleged row came after an application to build a two-storey house in Mr Pelling's front garden was rejected by the council's planning committee on July 26.

Police were called the day after the meeting.

The proposed four-bedroom house, which Mr Pelling wanted to build for his in-laws so they could be closer to him and his wife, would have been built next to Mr Morenikeji's property in Croham Valley Road, South Croydon.

Mr Morenikeji's wife, Valerie, who spoke at the meeting to object to the planning application, said: "All my husband did say from the public gallery was yes' when the decision was made.

"Something was then said to him which he felt should be reported.

"My husband was upset at the way he had been spoken to and followed Mr Slaytor downstairs. I had to calm him down and tell him to let it go. We called the police the next day and made a complaint."

Mr Slaytor, however, told the Croydon Guardian he was the victim: "I was subject to being shouted after, intimidated, barged and then having my way blocked in the narrow passageway by the side of the council chamber.

"I tried to walk away from the confrontation and told the gentleman repeatedly to go away.

"I do hope this will not turn into a vendetta and I would hope we can be good neighbours in the future."

A police spokeswoman said: "Police investigated an incident of Section 4A of Public Order which occurred at the council chambers in the town hall on July 26.

"Initial inquiries were carried out and all parties spoken to by police. No further action will be taken into the matter."