WILTSHIRE has a new deputy chief constable.

Stephen Long moves up from the rank of Assistant Chief Constable following the departure of Alistair McWhirter to lead the Suffolk force.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said ACC Long was appointed following two days of interviews by members of the county's police authority.

He began his police career in 1978, when he joined the Leicestershire force, rising to the rank of chief inspector before transferring to Suffolk police in 1990 as a superintendent.

His experience includes secondments to the Metropolitan Police and on the London Under-ground.

He joined Wiltshire Constabulary in January 2003.

Mr Long said: "I am confident that in the months and years ahead these investments will pay dividends, and will result in real improvements in our performance, to consolidate our position as a county with low crime and a top-performing police force.

"It is my privilege to be a member of such a progressive and achieving force."