The current acting Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police has been named as the preferred candidate for the permanent role.

Rob Nixon has been the T/CC for Leicestershire Police since earlier this year following the departure of Simon Cole, who sadly died two weeks after retiring.

Having served in the force for 29 years, T/CC Nixon was the acting chief during the recent disorder in Leicester.

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC, Rupert Matthews, said T/CC Nixon had been selected following an interview process that "left no stone unturned".

He said: "Mr Nixon has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge during his time with Leicestershire Police.

"These skills have been duly tested over the past seven months during his role as Temporary Chief Constable and his performance has been nothing short of first class."

The acting chief described the opportunity as an "enormous privilege".

A varied career with the force saw T/CC Nixon appointed as the head of the force’s Community Safety Bureau in 2008, and serve as the Chief Superintendent for the Leicester City Basic Command Unit between 2009-2014.

He became Temporary Assistant Chief Constable in 2015, before being promoted to Deputy Chief Constable three years later.

A hearing with the Police and Crime Panel to confirm his appointment will take place in November.