The man who brought zero tolerance policing to Britain has resigned from the force in order to stand as mayor of Middlesbrough.

Ray Mallon, dubbed Robocop because of his hard-hitting tactics, has quit his position with Cleveland Police.

He was the subject of a lengthy anti-corruption investigation called Operation Lancet but was never charged.

Mayoral elections are planned for the town next May and Mallon has been approached to stand.

Before the election takes place, the public must vote in a referendum in October to adopt the system for a directly elected mayor.

As police officers cannot campaign politically, Mallon had to resign in order to campaign initially for a Yes vote in the referendum.

His zero tolerance policing strategy brought large falls in crime in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, making him a favourite with the public and politicians alike.

But in December 1997, Mallon was suspended and accused of alleged criminal activity under the controversial Operation Lancet inquiry into officers trading drugs for confessions.

In February this year, the Crown Prosecution Service announced none of the 400 criminal allegations levelled by Lancet against 60 officers would be proceeded with.

Despite being cleared, Mallon remains suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. He said: " can confirm I intend to resign from Cleveland Police."

He is holding a press conference at the Marton Country Club at Marton, Middlesbrough, at 10am tomorrow.

Updated : 17:45, Thursday 9th Aug.