A TRIED and tested crime fighter has been appointed a head of CID.

Four people are in prison - two serving life sentences - in connection with the murder of Kalvant Singh.

Chief Superintendent Mark Braithwaite relentlessly tracked down the killers of the Middlesbrough market trader. It took him three years and the hunt ranged across Europe and the Caribbean.

Currently, Cleveland Police's district commander at Middlesbrough, Mr Braithwaite is to take up the reins as head of Crime and Operational Support, next month.

His new portfolio as a Detective Chief Superintendent will range from fighting organised crime, murder and fraud to road policing, firearms air support and child protection.

The man who headed one of the biggest and most complex murder inquiries ever pursued by Cleveland Police, said of his new role: "There will be no let up by the force in our efforts against criminals in Cleveland. The law-abiding majority expect - and deserve - nothing less.''

The one-time commander of Hartlepool police said: "I am taking over a department that has an excellent track record in fighting crime, particularly at the most serious level, and I am looking forward to my new role and to the inevitable challenges it will bring.''