A MARATHON investigation into allegations of corruption among members of Cleveland Police is over.

Decisions on whether disciplinary action should be taken against eight suspended police officers, including Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon, head of the Middlesbrough CID, are expected to be made shortly.

A further 61 officers, who have faced 571 allegations, will discover whether they are to face any criminal or discipline charges.

The Police Complaints Authority, which oversaw the inquiry, announced the final meeting of the Lancet management team had been held.

Authority member Tony Williams, who supervised the inquiry, said: "The investigative phase is over.

"The Crown Prosecution Service have given their decision on 14 files, and decisions are awaited on a further 14 informant-related files, together with a number of other miscellaneous matters. Now that all of the files have been reserved, the CPS reviewing lawyer hopes to be able to reach a final decision on criminal issues shortly.''

Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, called yesterday for Mr Mallon, suspended three years ago this week, and his suspended colleagues to be brought back on duty.

Dr Kumar said: "As long as Ray Mallon and seven other officers remain suspended, it is not over. It has cost between £5m and £7m, and nobody has been charged.

"It is absolutely despicable that after three years we have only been able to get as far as taking evidence. In the process people's lives and families have been ruined."

Dr Kumar is to see Solicitor General Ross Cranston to put pressure on the CPS to "bring this to a final conclusion".

He repeated his call for a public inquiry into the handling of Lancet and the suspensions.

He is also demanding that former Cleveland Deputy Chief Constable Robert Turnbull, the man who suspended Mr Mallon, is ordered to return from his colonial posting to the Turks and Caicos Islands to answer to an inquiry.

Dr Kumar also wants former Assistant Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom, now with a police force in Wales, to give evidence as well.

He said: "Those who deserted the sinking ship, when they decided they had nothing on Ray Mallon and others - we have to bring them to book. Their actions have cost the taxpayers millions.