Acting police chief John Long set to retire

The acting chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police, John Long, is to retire after 30 years' service.

Mr Long has been filling in for Nick Gargan who has been found guilty of eight charges of misconduct.

Mr Gargan, 48, has begun a "phased return" to work and the BBC understands he was back at work on Friday.

But the Police Federation has said Mr Gargan should "look at his position". Mr Gargan said he was "very much looking forward to returning to work".

His suspension followed allegations of data protection breaches and inappropriate behaviour with women.

The hearings were held behind closed doors and the exact details of what Mr Gargan was found guilty of have not yet been revealed.

Chief Constable Nick Gargan was suspended in May

A panel found him guilty of misconduct - but cleared him of gross misconduct. His suspension was lifted and a phased return to work prepared.

Mr Gargan said his actions had "fallen below the standards expected of a chief constable".

The sanctions imposed on Mr Gargan are due to be decided in the next month.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "The procedure to be followed in relation to the sanction hearing is strictly regulated.

"As with all judicial processes, when proceedings are not complete it is not possible to discuss or comment upon them until they have been finalised."

Gareth Morgan, the former Assistant Chief Constable for local policing with Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, has been appointed as Deputy Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police.