POLICE today launched an internal disciplinary hearing into the case of an Accrington teenager found dead in a mill lake.

The body of 18-year-old Sajjad Mahmood was discovered in Hagg Lodge, close to Accrington's Asda store in Hyndburn Road, in April, 1998.

His family complained that divers did not discover Sajjad's body until 10 days after his mother, Nighat, of Charter Street, Accrington, told police her son was in the lodge after she had been tipped off.

A police spokesman said today that 12 officers were subject to the hearing, which is being chaired by Chief Constable Pauline Clare.

He added that no information would be released during the proceedings, which could last up to a month. The hearing is not open to the public or the media.

He said: "We can confirm that Sajjad's mother and father, Arshad Mahmood, are both aware of the hearing and may be called as witnesses."

When Sajjad's family made a complaint about the handling of the police investigation into his disappearance it went to the Police Complaints Authority. An inquiry was carried out by Greater Manchester Police.

The inquiry report was then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service which decided that no criminal charges should be brought against two Lancashire officers. Six officers received "informal words of advice."

Three men were jailed over the death of Sajjad.

James Butler, 21, of Persia Street, was jailed for a total of 10 years after pleading guilty to manslaughter and the possession of drugs with the intent to supply.

Wayne Kelly, 23, of Royds Street, Accrington, and Karl Barton, 22, of Manor Gardens, Church, each received six years for grievous bodily harm and drugs offences. It is believed two of the men are now free.