AN MP today expressed his concern after it was revealed 18 police officers face being disciplined over the investigation into the death of an Accrington teenager whose body was found in a mill lake.

But the Crown Prosecution Service has decided that no criminal proceedings will be brought against officers over the case of Sajjad Mahmood, who was found in the lodge behind the town's Asda store in April 1998.

The 18-year-old's mother, Nighat Mahmood, of Charter Street, Accrington, told police her son was in the lodge after being tipped off by local gossip.

But police divers did not find his battered body until 10 days later.

Sajjad was killed after a three-man gang sprayed CS gas into eyes before frog-marching him to Hagg Lodge, next to Asda, in Hyndburn Road.

Following a complaint by the family to Lancashire Police the matter was voluntary referred to the Police Complaints Authority and an independent inquiry was carried out by Greater Manchester Police.

Their investigations were submitted to the PCA last autumn and a report was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether criminal charges should be brought against two Lancashire officers.

The CPS has confirmed that no criminal charges should be brought against either officer but Lancashire Police said formal internal disciplinary proceedings will be "considered" for both officers.

But Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "I am concerned about this. I shall be speaking to Lancashire Constabulary on this matter.

"I am more than happy to speak to the family if they wish to speak to me. This is a tragic case for all concerned and we must draw a line under it."

In addition formal internal disciplinary proceedings have been "initiated" against 10 further officers and -- after recommendations by Lancashire Police agreed by the PCA -- six more officers are to receive "informal words of advice."

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said today it could not disclose the nature of the disciplinary proceedings as it was "an internal matter."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope declined to comment until he had spoken with the police.

Three men were jailed over the death of Sajjad.

The gang's leader, 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 charges. It is believed two of the men are now free.