MERSEYSIDE Police have appointed a new deputy chief constable.

Current assistant chief constable Serena Kennedy will take up the new role in November and will replace Carl Foulkes who is leaving to become chief constable of North Wales Police.

Chief constable Andy Cooke QPM, said: "I would like to congratulate Serena on her appointment as deputy chief constable.

"Serena came to Merseyside 17 months ago with a wealth of policing experience.

"In her time here she has proved to be a valuable member of the chief officer team and is highly respected by her colleagues and staff.

"She is acutely aware of the challenges facing Merseyside Police and I know that she will continue her exceptional work with our communities, staff and partners."

ACC Kennedy joined Merseyside Police in May 2017 taking up the portfolio for Intelligence and Investigation.

Before this she worked at Cheshire Constabulary where she was head of Public Protection and strategic lead for Early Help

She said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed deputy chief constable.

"Having lived on the outskirts of Merseyside all my life, with my family living and working in Merseyside I know what a fantastic place it is to live and work.

"I am aware that this is a challenging time for policing but I know that we have great police officers and staff who are massively proud of this organisation and together we will do everything we can to meet the challenges facing us as we go forward.

"I also want to take this opportunity to further foster relationships, both internally and externally, and I look forward to continuing to working with staff, communities and partners to continue to deliver the exceptional level of service Merseyside deserves."