TWO new assistant chief constables (ACCs) have been appointed to join the team at West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police.

Chief Superintendent Martin Evans of Staffordshire Police has been appointed as ACC for local policing and Chief Superintendent Richard Moore, from West Midlands Police, has been appointed as ACC for protective services.

The pair were chosen after a selection process that saw the candidates face a professional panel of internal and partner agency representatives, concluding with a formal interview chaired by the chief constables from both forces.

The roles had become vacant due to the promotion of Amanda Blakeman to deputy chief constable for West Mercia Police and ACC Chris Singer's announcement of his intention to retire from the police service in the coming months.

A joint statement from chief constable of West Mercia Police, Anthony Bangham and chief constable of Warwickshire Police, Martin Jelley, said: "We are delighted to offer Martin and Richard these positions within our senior officer team.

"We are certain that the experience and skills they have both shown will be an asset to our two police forces and the communities that we serve."

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: "On behalf of our communities I feel confident and reassured that these appointments further reinforce the strong leadership within our police force, and will further enhance our collective work towards building a safer West Mercia."