JON Stratford has been named as Gloucestershire's new temporary deputy chief constable.

He is stepping into the second-in-command post for one year. Rod Hansen is the temporary chief constable.

A police spokesman said: "In his current role, Mr Stratford is responsible for the provision of specialist operational support and major crime investigation across the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset force areas. The succession plan for leadership for these functions is in the process of being decided."

Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, who is retiring later this month, said: "Jon's depth of experience in policing generally, and our belief that he will provide inspiring leadership and help deliver lasting transformational change made him the right candidate for the job."

Before joining the Gloucestershire force, Mr Stratford served as assistant chief constable with South Wales Police, leading its specialist operations, specialist crime, professional standards, criminal justice and communications departments.

A former British Army officer and graduate of Leicester Polytechnic, Mr Stratford began his policing career in South Bristol with Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1992. He went on to serve in a variety of operational roles in Bath, Bristol and rural Somerset before becoming the policing commander for Bristol.

Mr Stratford said: "I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to serve with Gloucestershire Constabulary in this way.

"It is a fabulous force that in recent years has proved its ability to drive down crime and drive up confidence and satisfaction."

He added: "I'm looking forward to working with the police and crime commissioner, the chief constable and officers and staff at all levels to ensure our force goes from strength to strength."