A CHIEF constable and his deputy were last night bailed while an investigation into corruption in their force continues.

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price and his deputy, Derek Bonnard, spent 33 hours being questioned by detectives in a North Yorkshire police station after they were arrested on Wednesday morning on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, fraud by abuse of position and corrupt practice.

They have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The force’s former solicitor, Caroline Llewellyn, was bailed on Wednesday night.

All three were bailed until October.

In May, Warwickshire and North Yorkshire Police began an investigation into the activities of Cleveland Police.

Assistant Chief Constable David Pickard has taken temporary charge of Cleveland Police.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon, a former detective superintendent at Cleveland Police, yesterday publicly backed Mr Price and Mr Bonnard and said the gaps at the top of Cleveland Police needed to be filled as soon as possible.

He said: “It is vital we fill these voids by the return of the two officers or with new appointments.

“For every week that goes by with Sean Price and Derek Bonnard suspended, it is less likely they can return and pick up the reins.

“I am a big supporter of Sean Price and everybody is innocent until proven guilty. I sincerely hope he is cleared and I still have confidence in him.”

As detective superintendent, Mr Mallon admitted 14 disciplinary charges after the anti-corruption investigation Operation Lancet.

In 2000, he was cleared of criminal wrongdoing.

After being suspended for more than four years while the multi-million pound investigation was concluded, he believes he knows better than most how important it is for this case not to drag on longer than necessary.

He said: “I can fully empathise with how they are both feeling. It will effectively put their lives on hold and it will affect their family and friends.

“Warwickshire and North Yorkshire Police have a job to do, but this investigation needs to be completed quickly.”