WILTSHIRE police has welcomed Peter James Vaughan as the new assistant chief constable.

Mr Vaughan, 41, takes over the high-profile role from Andrew Tatam, chief superintendent of Salisbury police, who has been caretaking the position since Stephen Long was promoted to deputy chief constable.

Mr Vaughan joins the Wiltshire Constabulary from South Wales Police, where he has served for 19 years, rising from the rank of constable to chief superintendent.

He joined South Wales Police in 1984, from university where he gained a BSc (Hons) First Class Degree in Management Science and Operational Research.

He also holds a Diploma in Applied Criminology and Police Management.

Mr Vaughan said: "I am very pleased and excited to have been appointed as the assistant chief constable for Wiltshire Constabulary.

"This is a challenging role in a very good county force.

"I aim to continue and develop the good work which is going on to ensure that Wiltshire remains one of the safest places in which to live and work and look forward to joining the force within the next two months."

Wiltshire Police Authority chairman, Bertie Woolnough, said: "I am delighted that Peter Vaughan is joining Wiltshire Constabulary.

"He has an impressive operational background and I am confident that he will be an asset to our chief officer team and will drive our performance to even higher levels."