A SENIOR police officer is returning to the North-East, 25 years after cutting her teeth as a constable with the same force.

Northumbria Police have announced the appointment of Debbie Ford as its new Assistant Chief Constable (ACC).

She joined Northumbria as a PC in 1993, before rising through the ranks and serving as the force’s head of crime, until 2015.

Having been temporarily promoted to ACC, she left eight months later to take a permanent position with Greater Manchester Police, where she was ‘Gold Commander’ for the Manchester Arena bombing, in May last year.

Welcoming her back to the force, Northumbria’s Chief Constable, Winton Keenan, said: “Debbie is an extremely experienced officer and she returns with a wealth of knowledge gained from her time with Greater Manchester Police, which I’m certain will help drive the force forward.”

Her start date with the force has yet to be confirmed.