THE new chief constable for West Mercia Police has been confirmed, with Kyle Gordon taking the reins.

Mr Gordon was the preferred candidate of West Mercia Police and Crime Constable (PCC) John Campion and was approved by a panel.

He says that he is looking forward to working with the PCC and putting communities "at the heart of policing".

He said: “I am delighted to be confirmed as the next Chief Constable for West Mercia Police.”

“I am passionate about delivering a community-focused police service that is visible, accessible, responsive, and effective to build further on the trust and confidence we have among our communities.

“I am very much looking forward to taking up the role of leading the force and working with PCC John Campion and partners to deliver the Safer West Mercia Plan, while ensuring the communities of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Telford & Wrekin are at the heart of policing.”

According to the PCC, Mr Gordon was chosen as the preferred candidate as chief constable following a vigorous and open process in December 2023.

He's a current commander for the Metropolitan Police Service, who has held a range of roles including with the British Transport Police and Police Service for Northern Ireland.

PCC John Campion added: “I welcome Kyle’s drive to build on the progress that has been made to deliver a police service communities can trust and be proud of.

“I am confident that he will support me in delivering my Safer West Mercia Plan, with a renewed focus on policing with the community.”