A TEAM of crimefighters were last night rewarded for its groundbreaking approach to a murder investigation.

Eight officers, including members of the Forensic Science Service and Crown Prosecution Service, were presented with Cleveland Police chief constable's commendation for "outstanding work and dedication to duty" shown during the 2000 inquiry into the death of eccentric hoarder Mohammed Sharif.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Roberts was in charge of the murder hunt, which resulted in three men being sentenced to life imprisonment.

A spokesman for the force said: "The Sharif murder investigation was the most complex, resource intensive and ground breaking inquiry undertaken by Cleveland Police.

It lasted more than 18 months, became a pilot for what is now a national forensic science major crime service and involved sophisticated investigation methods, some of which were tested for the first time in a British court."

Yesterday, Det Supt Roberts also voiced fears that "new" drug dealers would try to move in following the smashing of a cocaine supply ring on Teesside.

The pioneer of Middlesbrough's "Dealer a Day" operation said he was far from complacent, in the wake of a recent seizure of crack cocaine with a street value of £6,500.

He said: "We know it put a number of other dealers on their toes and shut down other drugs houses.

"But we also know that others will be ready to start filling the gap and we need the public to respond to that by keeping up the intelligence now."

So far, the operation has resulted in 207 arrests from 212 raids and drugs worth £57,000 and the seizure of more than £29,000 in cash.

Anyone with information about drug dealing should ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.