Interim police chief set to be announced this week

The commissioner said she remained "mindful of concerns"

Devon and Cornwall's police commissioner said she hoped to announce an interim new police chief on Friday.

Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Alison Hernandez said she had not received any representations from the suspended acting chief constable Jim Colwell, adding investigations continue into allegations of gross misconduct.

Mr Colwell is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for potential breaches of professional standards involving the alleged use of a work mobile phone to send personal messages.

The commissioner said she remained "mindful of concerns" over the leadership gap and said a recruitment process was continuing "at pace".

Ms Hernandez said she was looking forward to returning stability to policing in Devon and Cornwall.

She said: "I remain mindful of concerns among members of the force and our communities over the current leadership gap and am committed to resolving this as swiftly as possible and restoring stability to policing in Devon and Cornwall.

"As such I anticipate being in a position to make an announcement on my appointment late on Friday."