EIGHT police officers accused of playing a part in setting up a former Asian officer for a jail sentence have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

But Government lawyers may recommend charges are brought against four other Cleveland officers following a three-year investigation into claims of perjury made during the trial of ex-traffic officer Sultan Alam

Mr Alam was jailed in 1996 for handing stolen car parts - despite his vehement denials.

The fate of the four officers is still being decided by the director of public prosecutions (DPP), it was revealed last night.

Disclosing the development, a spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "In June 1999, Mr Alam made complaints about a number of officers in the force. As a result a detailed investigation was launched and, in April last year, a file was sent to the DPP.

"He has considered the evidence and decided no further action will be taken against the majority of officers."

He added: "Files against the remainder are still being reviewed. Until the DPP has reached a final decision, Cleveland Police will be making no further comment.''

Operation Granite, the investigation into Mr Alam's claims, was carried out by officers from Northumbria Police and supervised by the Police Complaints Council.

It investigated allegations that a number of Cleveland Police officers committed perjury and conspired to pervert the course of justice, before and during a criminal investigation which ultimately led to Mr Alam's conviction at Teesside Crown Court.

Mr Alam also claimed that officers told lies at an employment tribunal, which he began before his 1994 arrest.

He served nine months of an 18-month prison sentence for handling stolen car parts.

Mr Alam said: "I am disappointed, as I had hoped the issue would be fully resolved by this week and we only have a partial resolution."