The force tasked with protecting the UK’s nuclear installations and materials has appointed a former soldier as its new deputy chief constable.

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), has announced that Chris Armitt, a former soldier in the Royal Engineers, is its new DCC.

The appointment ends a six-month search to fill the role, when Simon Chesterman was promoted in April to chief constable after five years in the deputy position.

DCC Armitt joined the force in 2015 as its assistant chief constable after spending 25 years with Merseyside Police which he joined in 1989.

Before joining the police he spent eight years with the Royal Engineers. While at Merseyside Mr Armitt performed a number of high profile operational roles including gold commander for the NATO summit in 2014.

In June 2015 he was also awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service. 

Following his appointment, Mr Armitt said: “It is a great honour to have been selected to be the new deputy chief constable for the CNC.

“Having been here four years I’ve met most of the people who work for the CNC and I know that as an organisation we have so much to be proud of and also a lot of potential.

“I am looking forward to playing my part in helping us reach that potential, both collectively and as individuals,” he added.