Warwickshire will remain without a permanent top officer after the search for a new Chief Constable for Warwickshire was ended without a candidate being chosen.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, Philip Seccombe, has previously named Emma Bond MBE as his preferred candidate to become the next Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police.

However, in a statement today (November 10) Mr Seccombe's office confirmed the recruitment process had been stopped and the "preferred candidate status" for Ms Bond withdrawn.

No reason has been given for the move, and the commissioner's office has said the process is confidential.

"The commissioner thanks Emma for the time and commitment she has given to the recruitment process and wishes her well for the future," the statement said.

"The confidentiality of the recruitment process will be respected."

Acting Chief Constable David Gardner will continue to lead the force until he takes up the new role of Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police.

"The commissioner is putting arrangements in place to ensure continuity of leadership for Warwickshire Police and will announce further details as these are confirmed," the statement added.

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