A NEW temporary chief constable has been appointed at Cleveland Police.

Iain Spittal is taking over from Jacqui Cheer on a temporary basis, following two-and-a-half years as the force's deputy chief constable.

He has spent much of his career at North Yorkshire Police, where he was responsible for operational policing across the City of York and wider areas.

The new appointment was made by Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger, after Mrs Cheer left to go on secondment to the College of Policing ahead of her retirement in March.

He heads up the senior management team, which includes temporary deputy chief constable Simon Nickless and temporary assistant chief constable Ciaron Irvine.

Mr Spittal said: "I am proud to work for Cleveland Police where day in and day out there are officers and staff facing danger and going the extra mile.

“Policing is a difficult job, and it’s sometimes too easy to forget that there is a person behind the uniform with a family at home. Our police officers put that aside to face unknown and volatile situations to protect the public and communities.

“In this role I will continue to talk about this great work and lead our teams during these challenges times so that we are providing the best service to communities.”

Mr Coppinger said: “Iain is highly regarded in his field and is well respected in Cleveland Police for his dynamic and innovative approach.

“Iain has led the force through a number of changes and has been at the forefront of collaboration with partner agencies."

A recruitment process for the permanent Chief Constable position will take place following the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May.