A POLICE authority chief has issued a challenge over where the headquarters of a new North-East "superforce" would be.

Dave McLuckie, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, said he wanted the supporters of a single merged force to make it clear where its HQ would be sited.

Councillor McLuckie's comments came amid speculation that Washington, on Wearside, could be one possible location.

County Durham police chiefs have already conceded that only one HQ is likely to be required if their own force merged with Cleveland and Northumbria.

Coun McLuckie, who wants a smaller "city region" Tees Valley force, combining Cleveland with South Durham, has expressed fears that a single North-East force could lead to a lack of local control and accountability.

He said: "With a city region force, we will ensure every district has its own command structure - and that the headquarters are sited so they are easily accessible to all parts of the force area.

"I challenge those arguing for the regional option to answer two simple questions - where will the headquarters of the proposed force be sited and will they guarantee a basic command unit for every district?"

Meanwhile, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has called a full meeting next Wednesday to discuss a motion which argues that "a single regional force would be wholly unacceptable, seriously setting back the ability of all local authorities to deliver neighbourhood partnerships to tackle anti-social behaviour and lack of social respect".

Members of Northumbria Police Authority will discuss a report today which recommends that a single North-East force should be the favoured option to submit to the Home Office.