A FACTORY worker arrested by police investigating the murder of vice girl Vicky Glass is not to be charged.

Eric Coates, 47, spoke of his relief yesterday after waiting three months to hear the outcome of Cleveland Police inquiries into his alleged involvement with the death of the Middlesbrough prostitute.

In January, officers searched the home Mr Coates shares with his parents in Huby, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, taking away clothing, video tapes and other items.

But police have confirmed that Mr Coates, who was called in for questioning about the murder three times, has been released unconditionally.

He said: "This has been a very stressful couple of months for me and my family. I just want to try to get my life back to normal again."

Mr Coates, who has admitted knowing Miss Glass, works night shifts at a poultry factory near Thirsk.

Miss Glass, 21, who turned to prostitution to finance her heroin addiction, was missing for six weeks before her body was found near Danby, on the North York Moors, in November 2000.

The police investigation is continuing