RETIRED businessman Peter Heron is planning to sue police for what he last night claimed was a "malicious prosecution" over the killing of his wife more than 15 years ago.

And he urged the police to dig deeper to find the real killer.

Mr Heron also told of his anger that he was informed of the decision to discontinue the case by The Northern Echo and not by prosecutors.

Mr Heron said: "I had no doubt that this day would arrive because, as I told the police 15 years ago, I had nothing to do with it.

"I didn't do it, no question about that. Somebody outside did do it."

He said he now hoped the police could find out who was responsible, adding: "If they dig a little bit further, they will find out who did it."

Mr Heron is meeting barristers this month to discuss the prospect of taking civil action against Durham Constabulary in the wake of this week's events.

But police chiefs last night dismissed the allegation that the 70-year-old former haulage company boss had been hounded as "wholly and entirely wrong".

Solicitor Peter Wishlade said Mr Heron was "to some degree" pleased about the announcement to drop the case, but disappointed he could not prove his innocence in court.

Ann Heron had her throat cut as she sunbathed in the garden of the couple's home on the outskirts of Darlington on the hottest day of the year in 1990.

Despite one of the largest and most high-profile investigations undertaken by Durham Police, and nationwide appeals for help, her killer was never found.

Three-times married Mr Heron was arrested at his new home in Scotland last November and charged with murder after hours of questioning by detectives.

He was due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on February 27, and a trial was expected to take place later this year.

But following a review of the case by forensic experts and a leading barrister, after additional evidence came to light, the Crown Prosecution Service decided to discontinue the case.

Mr Wishlade said last night: "To some degree, Mr Heron is pleased, but he is also disappointed. He would have preferred to have been acquitted by a jury.

"Mr Heron believes this has always been a malicious prosecution and feels that his integrity has been called into question for 15 years.

"The effect on his family has been significant. There never was, or ever has been, any evidence at all linking him to the crime.

"The current position is that consideration is being given to a civil claim."

Mr Wishlade added that Mr Heron felt it was disrespectful for him to learn of the case being discontinued from a journalist and not from his legal representative or the Crown Prosecution Service.

Durham Police now plan to carry out a fresh review of the case, with independent experts looking at all the forensic evidence.

Chief Superintendent Dave Jones said: "We remain determined to do everything we can to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.

"I am hoping a fresh look at the evidence by some of the country's foremost experts - who, until now, have had no involvement in our inquiry - will yield new information that will take the case forward."

Anyone who believes they have information that could help the inquiry is asked to call police on 0845 60 60 365, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.