THE Police Complaints Authority has defended its decision to reveal details of the latest officer to be charged under Operation Lancet.

The PCA, reacting to criticism by the Superintendents' Association, said that public interest in the Lancet inquiry into Cleveland Police justified an announcement earlier this week about charges of misconduct against a superintendent.

Branch chairman of the Superintendents' Association, Graham Cummings, said: "The officer concerned and the Superintendents' Association were informed of the decision on November 3.

"In my experience, it is unusual for details of discipline charges against officers to be released, and I would have to question what the PCA has decided to make this announcement now, almost two weeks later."

He said the officer, who has not been named, denies all the allegations against him.

A spokesman for the PCA denied that its announcement had led to the officer being identified. He said: "There is public interest in Operation Lancet, and the authority has made it clear that it will announce any charges which arise as a result of the investigation.

"The authority will treat all officers in the same way, and we have constantly refused to name any officers involved."