A former Northern Ireland police officer, currently leading operations against the M25 protestors is set to become Staffordshire’s new Chief Constable.

The Assistant Chief Constable at Humberside Police is moving to Staffordshire to take the top job.

ACC Chris Noble was appointed out of a shortlist of four and the decision will now need to be ratified by the force’s Police, Fire and Crime Panel at a special meeting on 12 October.

The appointment follows the decision by Gareth Morgan to retire after four years in charge.

Mr Noble has been a police officer for over 21 years, serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Before moving to Humberside, he was Commander for Belfast City Policing District, with responsibility for overt counter-terrorism policing, local response and neighbourhood policing, and public order and civil contingencies.

He is also the NPCC lead for protests nationally and has most recently advised several police forces on how best to manage and police the ongoing M25 protests.

Mr Noble said: “I want to thank the Commissioner for the trust he is putting in me. I look forward to serving the people, officers and staff of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as their Chief Constable, and working with partners to keep our communities safe.”

T/CC Emma Barnett will continue to lead the force until Mr Noble is able to assume the post.

He is inheriting a force that was rated good across all areas by HMI in the last PEEL assessment.

Critically, it has enough experienced people and the financial resources to meet current and future demand.

But the force was advised to work on its overall management and understanding of those suspected of criminal offences.

Staffordshire PCC Ben Adams (Con) said: “I’m confident Chris has the knowledge, passion and experience needed to lead Staffordshire Police during these challenging times, meeting the constantly evolving face of crime and other threats, and keeping our communities safe from harm.

“I would like to pay tribute to the current Temporary Chief Constable, Emma Barnett for all the hard work and dedication she has given to date to Staffordshire Police.

"In particular I thank her for her leadership in the last few months since the former Chief Constable retired. Emma has been pivotal in ensuring the Force is ready to take on whatever policing challenges the future brings.”