Police force appoints new chief constable

Alex Franklin-Smith had been serving as interim Chief Constable since September

The new chief constable of Warwickshire Police has been named as Alex Franklin-Smith.

Mr Franklin-Smith, who replaces Debbie Tedds after she retired in September, said it was an "honour and a privilege" to have been appointed.

He had been working as interim chief constable since then and Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, said "I have been impressed by his work to date".

Having recommended Mr Franklin-Smith for the permanent role, Mr Seccombe said: "He was extremely impressive throughout the selection process and I had no hesitation in nominating him for the position."

The appointment was confirmed at a meeting of the Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel on Monday.

Afterwards, Mr Franklin-Smith said he would start work on a "new policing plan that serves all our communities".

Ms Tedds, who was the first female chief in the force's 160-year history, retired after three years in the job.