The release of a report into a senior police officer who allegedly knew the News of the World hacked Milly Dowler’s mobile phone may be delayed until after criminal trials.

Although it is almost complete, the report may be on hold until 2014, to avoid prejudicing criminal trials next year, according to a report in the Independent newspaper.

If delayed, senior policeman Craig Denholm could retire before it is published.

Mr Denholm started his career in 1984, and officers can leave their jobs after 30 years and claim a police pension up to two thirds of their final salary.

Mr Denholm, was a chief superintendent when Walton schoolgirl Milly Dower disappeared in March 2002 and was in put in charge of Operation Ruby, the investigation into the crime.

It has been alleged that Mr Denholm was aware the Sunday tabloid had illegally accessed information from the missing girl’s phone, after a meeting with two reporters from the newspaper in 2002, but took no further action.

When the IPCC launched the investigation, Milly’s family issued a short statement saying they welcomed a “proper investigation” of the police actions but voicing “regret that the passage of time means that some individuals can now no longer be investigated”.

The IPCC is also investigating Detective Superintendent Maria Woodall, who was a detective chief inspector and the senior investigating officer on Operation Ruby from 2006 onwards.

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “Surrey Police Authority and Surrey Police are currently awaiting the conclusion of the on-going Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation and at this stage it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”

An IPCC spokeswoman said: "The investigation into whether the Deputy Chief Constable of Surrey Police knew Milly Dowler's voicemails had been hacked is nearing completion and the report is being finalised.

"We anticipate having the final investigation report with Surrey Police by December.
 

"Following reports in the Independent newspaper, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is contacting the Dowler family to inform them of the current position and to assuage any concerns they have as a result of this inaccurate report.

"The IPCC is giving consideration as to what information we will be able to put in the public domain without having any impact on future criminal proceedings.

"At this stage assuming publication of the report will be delayed until 2014 is pure speculation and without foundation."

Levi Bellfield was given a life sentence in June last year after being found guilty of abducting and killing Milly.