Sir John Hoddinott, the man appointed to investigate the Operation Lancet anti police corruption fiasco on Teesside, has been found dead.

The 56-year-old retired Hampshire Chief Constable who was to have had preliminary meetings in Middlesbrough, today, was discovered by a colleague, dead in his hotel bedroom in the town.

Cleveland Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Sir John had been appointed by the then Home Secretary Jack Straw, in May, to review police complaint procedures, looking at lessons to be learned from Lancet, which lasted three and a half years, cost £7m and resulted in no arrests being made.

Lancet led to the suspension of eight police officers including the high profile Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon, who last Friday submitted his resignation to Cleveland Chief Constable Barry Shaw and announced his intention to run for mayor, in Middlesbrough.

Mr Mallon was cleared of any hint of criminal wrong doing in June 2000. A spokesman said the Home Office was saddened by the knight's death, adding : "we need to stand back and take stock."

Updated : 16:05, Monday 13th Aug.