Police in Sri Lanka have stormed the office of losing presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka, according to an aide to the former army chief and eyewitnesses.

Police say they were looking for illegal material. Following a heated campaign, Mr Fonseka was defeated in Tuesday's elections by incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Mr Fonseka says the vote was rigged. A day after the poll, soldiers surrounded the hotel where Mr Fonseka was staying. The army says the action was intended to arrest deserters who had joined Mr Fonseka to prepare a coup. No one was arrested.

Former General Sarath Fonseka (Photo: flickr / indi.ca)