SUSPENDED supercop Ray Mallon was cleared last night of all criminal charges following a three-year corruption probe that has cost North-East taxpayers millions of pounds.

Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon - the man who brought Zero Tolerance policing to Britain - was suspended from duty on December 1, 1997, as part of Operation Lancet.

The controversial inquiry into alleged malpractice and corruption among Cleveland Police has come under increasing criticism in recent months. Yesterday's announcement will fuel calls for a public inquiry into why Lancet was allowed to go on for so long.

Last night it also emerged that Mr Mallon could still face disciplinary action from the force's independent watchdog.

The Police Complaints Authority said it would consider "various disciplinary issues arising from the Lancet investigations."

Tony Williams, acting deputy chairman of the PCA, said: "In the first instance, Cleveland Police will make discipline recommendations which will then be considered by the PCA."

News of possible disciplinary charges failed to dampen Mr Mallon's spirits last night.

The 45-year-old detective was celebrating privately with his wife Carole, 45, and daughters Victoria, 18, and Lois, 15.

He intends to hold a Press conference on Thursday, and last night would say only: "I am naturally delighted that at last my name has been cleared, though I do not believe I should ever have been suspended in the first place.

"I want to thank my family and the people of Teesside for their support over the past two-and-a-half years, which has been of great help."

His solicitor, Mike Hymanson, said: "I am delighted to confirm that Mr Mallon will not be facing any criminal charges arising out of Operation Lancet.

"I have received confirmation from the Crown Prosecution Service that they have advised the investigating officer, Mr Lloyd Clark, that there are to be no criminal charges against Mr Mallon."

Teesside MP Ashok Kumar, who has voiced concerns to the Commons about Lancet many times, said: "The CPS has confirmed to me that Mr Mallon will not be facing any criminal charges. This is a complete vindication of the stance myself and others have taken in raising serious questions about the cost, length and direction of Operation Lancet."

The CPS said: It is our decision that prosecutions are not possible at this time as there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction against any officer on the files received so far."

The Chief Constable of Cleveland, Barry Shaw, was last night coming under intense pressure to reinstate Mr Mallon to his old post as superintendent in charge of policing in Middlesbrough.

He said: "Since the beginning, I have sought to protect the public interest by ensuring that a full and impartial investigation took place.

"I also have a duty to ensure that the officers under investigation get fair and impartial treatment. I shall continue to discharge these responsibilities."

Mr Mallon became Britain's most famous policeman when his Zero Tolerance policing methods led to record falls in crime in the tough urban beat.

He vowed to quit unless he reduced crime by 20 per cent in 18 months, but managed to hit the target within half the time. His no-nonsense stance against burglars and anti-social crime won him massive support from the public and politicians. Tony Blair chose to visit Mr Mallon for his final photo call on the eve of the 1997 General Election.

But seven months later he was sensationally sidelined - suspended by Assistant Chief Constable Robert Turnbull for "alleged activity that could be construed as criminal".

Seven other detectives were also suspended and 58 other officers served with disciplinary notices.

Last night it was rumoured that they, too, had been cleared.