A POLICE officer will become second in command at the force she began her career with more than quarter of a century ago.

Northumbria Police has appointed Debbie Ford as its new Deputy Chief Constable.

Ms Ford joined the force as a PC in 1993 and rose through the ranks, serving as the force’s head of crime until 2015 when she was temporarily promoted to Assistant Chief Constable.

She left eight months later to take a permanent position at Greater Manchester Police.

During her time in the North West she oversaw a number of areas including serious crime and public protection, and was Gold Commander for the Manchester Arena bombing.

But the Northumberland-born officer was keen to get back to the North East and last September she returned to Northumbria as Assistant Chief Constable.

Now the Force has announced she will replace current Deputy Chief Constable Darren Best when he retires later this year.

“It is great to have Debbie back in the force, together with the additional variety of experience she gained whilst working in Manchester," said Chief Constable Winton Keenen.

“Debbie has a very strong operational background and great leadership skills and will carry on from Darren when he retires later this year.”

Ass Chief Con Ford said: "I was delighted to be able to return to Northumbria in December 2018 and it is a real honour to now take on the role of Deputy Chief Constable.

“The majority of my police service has been spent here in Northumbria but I have also benefitted from working in Greater Manchester for the last few years which has given me a broader range of experience and challenges.

“Since I returned I have seen first-hand the challenges and demands our staff are facing but also how professional and dedicated everyone is to keeping our communities safe.

“I share that dedication and I am fully committed to supporting Northumbria Police and working with officers and staff to provide the public with the best service we can over the months and years ahead.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said Ass Chief Con Ford is a fantastic officer and she had witnessed first-hand her passion to protect local communities, so looks forward to seeing what more she can bring in her new role.