Kevin Nunes gangland murder: Inquiry into police officers 'right but costly', says cleared Staffordshire Police chief

Mrs Sawyers said it was 'right' she was investigated but that it had been 'costly' and 'disproportionate'.

She said: "At the outset of this investigation I was labelled as corrupt which was devastating for me personally and had an impact both on my private life and at work. I am obviously now pleased that the investigation is over and I have been completely cleared of any wrongdoing.

"An investigation into my actions was necessary and I have always accepted this, a man had lost his life and the allegations against me were serious. It was right that my actions were thoroughly investigated. However the management of this investigation by the IPCC, or lack of it, resulted in a lengthy, costly and disproportionate investigation from which there are no winners.

"Policing needs an independent body to investigate such allegations and ensure public confidence in the service. I am therefore pleased to see proposals to reform the structure and governance of the IPCC. I hope that lessons are learned from the way in which this investigation was conducted and I look forward to the reform resulting in an organisation which investigates, independently, all serious allegations against the police and which has the confidence of the public to do so."

Gloucestershire's Chief Constable Suzette Davenport said: "I have always tried to carry out my duties diligently and professionally.

"I am both pleased and relieved that the IPCC matters are concluded. I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the last three years whilst I have been here and whilst I was in Northamptonshire.

"I now look forward with the aim of continuing to do my best on behalf of Gloucestershire Police and our local communities."

West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale did not want to comment.

Former Northamptonshire Chief Constable Adrian Lee could not be contacted but Adam Simmonds, Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I'm very pleased that all those concerned can in a very real sense move on with their lives. Even though Adrian Lee retired last year this has been a real burden upon him and his family. I took the decision after legal advice that there was no case to answer in relation to the allegations against him and I am pleased the IPCC have decided not to challenge that decision."

Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis said: "The IPCC have spent nearly 12 months considering my findings and have now confirmed that they fully support my decision that there was no evidence of wrongdoing by Mrs Sawyers.

"This has been a tragic set of circumstances with a life lost, criminal justice and policing competence brought into question and police officers under investigation for over four years."

Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said: "The delivery of the report has been protracted, its contents confused and the evidence simply did not stack up. I never had any doubts Suzette would be exonerated by the IPCC. My only surprise is that it has taken so long to reach the same conclusion."