The wife of a senior North Yorkshire police officer who has been allowed to retire with his reputation intact after a damaging two-year probe today spoke of her family's relief.

The force announced that Chief Inspector Peter Turnbull, Det Sgt Jim Hartnett and Sgt Paul Vigars could leave their posts with Chief Constable David Kenworthy's thanks for their "good service".

The three, along with DC Mark Hall, who retired last year, were arrested in dawn raids at their homes in December, 1998.

They were suspended from duty over allegations they had mishandled a criminal investigation in Harrogate.

The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute, but the force continued with an internal disciplinary investigation.

But after mediation, Operation Beechwood was concluded and the officers' names cleared.

Chief Insp Turnbull's wife, Marsha, of Malton, said: "It's a relief it is all over at last. We have had tremendous support from friends and colleagues and I would like to thank everyone for their support over the last two years.

"We are all looking forward to the future now."

The North Yorkshire branch of the Police Federation, which represented the men, also welcomed the news.

Updated: 12:04 Tuesday, February 27, 2001