An officer who has spent his career with the PSNI has taken one of its most senior posts.

TACC Roberts has previously been the Commander in charge of Belfast City District Command Unit.

The vacancy at the top was created in January with the resignation of then Deputy chief Constable Stephen Martin. .

The appointment follows a difficult period for the force with months of sectarian incidents involving local youths, a scrapped attempt to rebrand the force and the return of power-sharing with the re-started Assembly.

There is also an investigation, led by National Police Chiefs’ Council leader Martin Hewitt into policing of a Republican funeral during the lockdown which has drawn complaints from Unionist leaders.  

TACC Roberts has more than 23 years’ service in both uniform and detective roles and has led on a number of high profile investigations into serious and organised crime including murders and terrorist incidents.

He was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal last year in recognition of his service to the force.

Announcing the appointment, Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “I am delighted to announce Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts as Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, Operational Support Department, following a competitive selection process.

“Jonathan brings with him a wealth of skills and experience, will complement the Service Executive Team and help deliver on the ambitions set out in the Policing Plan and we look forward to working with him.”