Iain Spittal joins Cleveland Police as deputy chief

Iain Spittal joined North Yorkshire Police in 1986

Cleveland Police has appointed a new deputy chief constable to replace Derek Bonnard, who was sacked in March for gross misconduct.

Iain Spittal, who is currently assistant chief constable at North Yorkshire Police, will take up his new role next month.

Mr Spittal said he was excited to be part of a "new chapter" for Cleveland Police.

Five candidates were interviewed for the position vacated by Mr Bonnard.

He was dismissed after being found guilty of six counts of gross misconduct at a disciplinary hearing.

Sean Price, the former chief constable, was also sacked after a separate hearing.

He remains on bail as Operation Sacristy - a criminal investigation into allegations of corruption at the now defunct Cleveland Police Authority - continues.

Chief constable Jacqui Cheer said Mr Spittal was the "ideal person" to help her introduce changes.

"The last 20 months have been tough, and I have introduced some significant changes to the force," she said.

"However our officers, staff, and police partner staff have risen to the challenge and continued to drive down crime during this period."