ZERO-TOLERANCE police chief Ray Mallon last night moved to quash fears that he would not be returning to work after being cleared in a controversial corruption probe.

Detective Superintendent Mallon is desperate to return after being cleared of criminal investigations following a three-year corruption probe.

Det Supt Mallon - the tough-talking detective who brought Zero Tolerance policing to Britain - nailed doubts that he may never return, as pressure grew on Cleveland's Chief Constable Barry Shaw to welcome him back.

Despite still facing potential disciplinary action, Det Supt Mallon's solicitor, Mike Hymanson, said he was raring to go. Nicknamed Robocop for his tough stance on crime, Mr Mallon has been suspended from his job as superintendent in charge of policing in Middlesbrough since December 1997 after corruption allegations.

Mr Hymanson said the 45-year-old still hoped he would be able to return to the job which saw him become one of the country's best known police officer.

He said: "He is determined to return to Cleveland Police and I think people who have come to know him would know that he cares passionately about the people of Cleveland. His reaction to the news is one of relief but the fact that he knew he was innocent all along means it is relief tempered with frustration."

Det Supt Mallon is due to speak publicly about the Operation Lancet inquiry at a press conference later today.

Last night, the CPS said senior lawyers had decided no criminal action would be taken as a result of the first seven files they had received from Operation Lancet.

There are still 37 files to be considered, but the allegations against Det Supt Mallon are only held in the first seven.

Seven other officers were suspended during the inquiry and 58 interviewed.

Ashok Kumar, the MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland who has campaigned for just such a result, said last night: "I want him brought back immediately and that is what the people of Cleveland demand of the Chief Constable."

Last night, the Superintendents' Association said Operation Lancet had damaged the national reputation of the police service in general.

President Peter Gammon said: "We are delighted that the outcome has proved he is not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing.

"We appreciate that allegations of corruption against any police officers have to be investigated rigorously."

But he said:"We feel inquiries lasting this long for what were fairly simple allegations do the police service no good and are harmful to the officers involved. We expect Ray Mallon to be reinstated without further delay."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said the force intended to pursue disciplinary measures against Det Supt Mallon and the others.

Det Supt Mallon is to be interviewed about "disciplinary matters", and that will not be for some weeks yet. In the meantime he will remain suspended.

l Ray Mallon's view - Page 12