AN extraordinary row has broken out between two of Teesside's Labour MPs, showing how deeply the party is split about its handling of Cleveland Police.

Angry Stockton North MP Frank Cook has accused his Parliamentary colleague Ashok Kumar of making "foolhardy" and "ill-advised" comments about the case of former Chief Superintendent Kevin Pitt, who left the Cleveland force after he was caught apparently urinating against the Lithuanian presidential palace.

Mr Pitt is attempting to clear his name, and his case has been taken up by his local MP, Mr Cook. In The Northern Echo yesterday, Dr Kumar agreed with Mr Pitt's concern about the length of time Cleveland's internal investigation was taking, saying it was "moving at a snail's pace".

The comments, although sympathetic to Mr Pitt's plight, have earned him a stinging rebuke from Mr Cook who said: "It should be emphasised that Kevin Pitt is no longer a serving police officer and should enjoy the proper rights of a private citizen seeking the assistance of his MP.

"I am frankly astounded that Dr Kumar is apparently more than willing to comment on the case when he cannot possibly know the full details. The kindest description I can find for his actions is that they are foolhardy in the extreme.

"My advice to him is that if he wishes to enjoy the confidence of his colleagues and enhance his career he should pay more careful attention to Parliamentary protocol and proper procedure."

Mr Cook and Dr Kumar - two of six Labour MPs in the Cleveland force area - have previously clashed over the long-running Operation Lancet, centred on Ray Mallon.

Last night Dr Kumar said he had been attacked for giving an opinion and that Mr Cook had "gone over the top".