Interim Devon and Cornwall police chief named

Devon and Cornwall Police has a new interim chief constable.

Police commissioner Alison Hernandez announced James Vaughan was the new interim chief with immediate effect.

Mr Vaughan previously served as a senior officer in the Devon and Cornwall force and was chief constable of Dorset Police until 2021 when he retired.

The new chief was sworn in at a ceremony at the force's headquarters in Exeter at about 16:45 GMT on Friday.

The appointment follows the suspension in November of previous interim chief constable Jim Colwell, and the suspension of the substantive chief constable Will Kerr in July last year.

Mr Vaughan said he was "hugely, hugely honoured" to be doing the job, adding he would "take Devon and Cornwall to new heights".

He said: "I have much to offer. I have been a chief constable in the neighbouring force in Dorset and I was there for three years."

Mr Vaughan said he had three "clear priorities" to address.

He said: "The first is we must, and rapidly, improve performance.

"The second priority is the restoration of public confidence.

"The third priority I have as I go into this role is around professionalism and standards."

Ms Hernandez said she was "excited" to work with Mr Vaughan.

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