A FRESH investigation is to be launched into a high-profile North-East murder case.

An outside police force will examine allegations against a number of unnamed Cleveland Police officers who were involved in the Lee King murder inquiry.

The latest investigation follows claims that police were involved in helping to arm the man who stood trial for Mr King's murder.

The 32-year-old was shot dead in Middlesbrough's Park End estate in January 2000.

Keith McQuade was charged with his murder but was cleared by a jury at Teesside Crown Court the following year.

Police have not elaborated on the nature of the latest allegations against officers involved in the murder inquiry.

However, a spokesman said they have come about as a result of Operation Waldon, an internal Cleveland Police investigation into the case.

Operation Waldon was established after it emerged that guns were handed over to Keith McQuade during an operation to catch a well-known villain weeks before Mr King's murder.

Chief Constable Sean Price was made aware of the allegations and referred the matter to the Police Complaints Authority, which will appoint an outside force to conduct the probe. It will be separate to Operation Waldon but with potential links to it.

Mr King's parents have been informed of the development, a force spokesman said.

He said: "It is hoped their work can be carried out without unnecessary media intrusion."

Detective Superintendent Steve Ash, senior investigating officer for the Waldon inquiry, said: "These allegations have to be investigated and investigated fully for the benefit of all those involved."

Mr King was killed in what police described as a gangland-style shooting.

McQuade was found not guilty by a jury but was jailed for life the following month for a shotgun robbery at a house in Hemlington, Middlesbrough.