Gloucestershire's new police chief

A new chief constable of Gloucestershire Police has been appointed.

Suzette Davenport, currently deputy chief constable of Northamptonshire Police, will take up her role on February 1.

Ms Davenport, 49, was one of four candidates interviewed to head the 2,207-strong constabulary and it will be the first time in the force's 174-year history that a woman has been at the helm.

Ms Davenport succeeds acting chief constable Mick Matthews who announced in November he was leaving after only six months in the job to take up a new policing role in Cyprus.

She said: "I am delighted and hugely proud to be joining a progressive constabulary that has a strong reputation for policing.

"This is an exciting opportunity for me to work with the new police and crime commissioner at the start of a new era and to deliver first class policing services and help keep the people of Gloucestershire safe."

Originally from North Yorkshire, Ms Davenport has served with West Mercia, Staffordshire and West Midlands.

Mr Matthews tweeted: "I am absolutely delighted that Suzette Davenport will be my successor as chief. She is an excellent leader and strategist and a dear friend."

Gloucestershire PCC Martin Surl also tweeted: "Gloucestershire's next chief constable will be Suzette Davenport. Well done Suzette."

The announcement comes as Pat Geenty was appointed chief constable of Wiltshire Police on Tuesday and outgoing Avon and Somerset chief Colin Port lost a High Court fight to prevent his replacement being recruited.

You can watch our interview with the new Chief Constable for Gloucestershire here: