FOUR more police officers are to face disciplinary charges as a result of the Operation Lancet inquiry.

Although the inquiry concluded earlier this year that there would be no criminal charges, some Cleveland police officers are still facing disciplinary matters.

The independent Police Complaints Authority yesterday confirmed that it would follow recommendations from Cleveland police and charge four officers with a total of 25 matters.

The charges against the officers, who are all detective constables, are related to allegations that prisoners in their charge were supplied with controlled drugs.

One officer will face 13 charges alleging discreditable conduct, falsehood or prevarication, abuse of authority and drinking on duty. Another officer will face four charges of alleged discreditable conduct, falsehood or prevarication and abuse of authority.

One will face five charges of alleged discreditable conduct, corrupt or improper practice, falsehood or prevarication and improper disclosure of information. Another will face three charges of alleged discreditable conduct, corrupt or improper practice and falsehood.

A date for the disciplinary hearing has not been set and the PCA has revealed that two custody sergeants have also been given a verbal warning.

Neither Cleveland Police nor the Police Authority would comment on the new charges.

The multi-million pound Operation Lancet inquiry resulted in a number of officers being suspended from duty, including Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon, on suspicion of criminal and disciplinary matters.

The decision was taken not to bring criminal charges against any officer, but some still face disciplinary hearings.