RON Hogg, Durham Police's Crime and Victims' Commissioner has asked for an interim commissioner to be appointed after announcing he is unwell.

The PCVC has written to the Chair of the Police and Crime Panel asking for an acting commissioner to be appointed in his place.

The former police officer is the first person to hold the post and was elected on 15 November 2012 and re-elected on 6 May 2016.

A statement released by the Office of the Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner said: "The Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (PCVC) for County Durham and Darlington, Ron Hogg, is unwell.

"He has therefore written to the Chair of the Police and Crime Panel to ask that the Panel consider appointing an acting Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that the functions of the PCVC will continue to operate across County Durham and Darlington, at a crucial time for policing.

"The Police and Crime Panel will meet on 20 September 2019 to consider the request.

"Ron has received good wishes from a large number of people recently, and he wishes to express his thanks."