Devon and Cornwall Police has a new assistant chief constable.

ACC Dave Thorne joined Devon and Cornwall Police in 1999, and was later appointed ACC of South Wales Police in June 2020.

He has held detective positions in public protection and major crime and has run homicide investigations. He is also an experienced strategic firearms commander and an accredited counter-terrorism commander.

He said: "I am excited to be re-joining Devon and Cornwall Police after almost three years in South Wales Police.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed, and learnt a lot, from my time in South Wales, but I feel extremely privileged to be able to come back and work for my home force as Assistant Chief Constable for Crime, Justice, and Vulnerability.

"While the Force faces much change, and has many challenges to tackle, there are also opportunities to maximise on and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting on with the task at hand."

Chief Constable Will Kerr said: "I am delighted to be welcoming ACC Dave Thorne to the team. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and will be a significant asset to the Force as we continue to ensure Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly remain one of the safest places to live and visit in the country.

"I am very much looking forward to working with him as we continue to build on, and improve, the service we provide our communities."

A father of five, ACC Thorne initially qualified as a teacher in 1993, teaching physics and outdoor education in the UK and abroad. He has also worked as a mountain leader and kayak instructor and is a keen mountain biker.