Mayor rejects police crisis claims after top officers are suspended

Cleveland Police was yesterday being run by a lower-ranking officer following the suspension of Chief Constable Sean Price and his deputy Derek Bonnard, whose career included 17 years with the West Yorkshire force.

After being held for more than 24 hours the two officers were yesterday released on bail until October, together with Cleveland’s former solicitor, Caroline Llewellyn.

But reports of unrest in the ranks were discounted by the Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon, who served as a detective superintendent with Cleveland before being elected.

Mr Mallon, 56, whose zero tolerance approach to policing earned him the nickname “Robocop”’, said it was important that people were kept informed about the investigation’s progress.

“It is absolute nonsense to suggest that this is a force in crisis,” Mr Mallon added. “Complete nonsense. This force continues to be absolutely efficient and effective and I have got the evidence to back that up.

“Public confidence in the police in this area is very high. I think that is justified and the rank and file – the constables and the sergeants that are on the streets – will continue to protect the public.”

They were questioned by North Yorkshire detectives on Wednesday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, fraud by abuse of position and corrupt practice.

The arrests are part of an investigation, overseen by Warwickshire Chief Constable Keith Bristow, into alleged wrongdoing by people with current or past associations with Cleveland Police Authority.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said one of the force’s assistant chief constables, Dave Pickard, was in temporary charge pending further developments.