NORTHUMBRIA Police has appointed a familiar face as its new assistant chief constable.

Debbie Ford joined Northumbria in 1993 and rose through the ranks, serving as the force’s head of crime until 2015.

She was temporarily promoted to assistant chief constable, but left eight months later to take a permanent position at Great Manchester Police.

During her time in the North-West, assistant chief constable Ford was gold commander during the Manchester Arena bombing, andwill now bring her vast experience back to the North-East.

Chief constable Winton Keenen said: “I am delighted to welcome Debbie Ford back to Northumbria Police as assistant chief constable.”