UNDER-fire Cleveland Police has agreed a payout understood to be worth more than £185,000 to four officers over claims of racial discrimination and victimisation of whistleblowers.

An employment tribunal involving four officers, Inspector Michael Wall, Sergeant Waseem Khan, PC Sharday Malik and PC Paul Brown, the former chair of the Cleveland Police Federation, was due to take place this month.

But the claims have now been settled after a compromise was reached, with all officers other than Insp Wall due to return to work.

Scott Taylor, of Taylor Goodchild solicitors, speaking on behalf of all four officers, said: “This case has been an enormous strain on all our clients for a number of years and a positive resolution will allow them to move forward with their lives and careers.”

Sgt Khan faced a misconduct hearing last month, which was dropped by the force when it emerged one of its witnesses had been threatened with disciplinary action if he did not give evidence. All disciplinary matters against him have now been dropped.

“In addition all disciplinary matters pending against Sgt Khan have been totally withdrawn and all disciplinary allegations against him have ended.”

The officers put out a statement which said: “We are relieved that this unhappy episode in our lives and in the history of Cleveland Police is over and that the Chief Constable has settled our cases. We are pleased that immediate steps have been taken to put in place root and branch changes within the Professional Standards Department. We sincerely hope that if wrongdoing is identified those responsible will be held to account. This has been a difficult time for us all and our families.”

The officers thanked their families, legal team and the National Police Federation of England and Wales for its “steadfast and unwavering support” in the fight for justice. Cleveland Police has been contacted for comment.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “After careful consideration of a number of factors, we have reached a compromise with the Claimants and have agreed a positive way forward. We recognise that this has been a difficult time for those involved and we are committed to welcoming and reintegrating our officers back into the organisation, so that they can continue to serve the public.”