THE chairman of Cleveland Police Authority backed out of a radio debate with Ray Mallon yesterday.

Councillor Ken Walker was billed to appear on BBC Radio Cleveland's Alan Wright show for a head-to-head debate about Operation Lancet with the former head of Middlesbrough CID.

But he decided to pull out of the show on the advice of his lawyers and Mr Mallon appeared alone on the show.

The Middlesbrough council leader is facing legal action from Mr Mallon about remarks he made on Radio Cleveland last month.

Coun Walker said: "I am very anxious to take part in a face-to-face debate with Mr Mallon, because I feel it is very important that the public is given a balanced picture of the issues surrounding Operation Lancet.

"However, at this stage, in view of actions taken by solicitors acting for Mr Mallon, I have been advised it would be inappropriate to take part in such a debate until matters are resolved."

Middlesbrough mayoral candidate Mr Mallon, who resigned from Cleveland Police last month after admitting 14 disciplinary charges, said yesterday he was unlikely to drop his lawsuit.

"I'm surprised Mr Walker didn't attend today's debate as it would have given him a further opportunity to have his say, and allow me to counter his argument in the strongest possible way."