Supercop Ray Mallon is considering swapping his handcuffs for a mayoral chain when he eventually leaves the force.

The detective superintendent, who was suspended from Middlesbrough CID three years ago today, said yesterday that he would not rule out standing as an elected mayor for Hartlepool.

Even though he was born and raised in Stockton and still lives in the town, Hartlepool - where he first made his name - has captured his affections.

"It is too early to make any plans for the future, but standing as elected mayor of Hartlepool is not something I would discount," he told The Northern Echo.

"I believe there are some excellent people who are far more qualified than me, but the question is whether any of these people would stand.

"Personally, I want the best-qualified people in key positions. I want to serve the community, it is not about self-ambition, it is about the community.

"I owe the public so much for the support they have given me and my family over the last three years, so when I eventually leave the police force I want to try and repay them."

The 45-year-old was suspended as part of the Operation Lancet investigation into alleged corruption.

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