A new temporary Assistant Chief Constable has been appointed at Wiltshire Police.

T/ACC Craig Holden will join newly appointed T/Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, T/Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills and the wider Senior Command Team in heading up the force.

T/ACC Holden has more than 20 years’ service within policing after joining Cheshire Police in 1994.

He transferred to Wiltshire Police in 2000 where he has worked in a variety of roles including CID, covert operations, Organised Crime Investigation and Intelligence.

In recent years, T/ACC Holden has been Head of Public Protection and Head of Crime for Swindon.

He said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“Having worked in Wiltshire since 2000, I have developed a strong understanding of and passion for our county and the communities within it.

“I look forward to continuing to make Wiltshire one of the safest places in the country to live and work.”

Outside of policing, T/ACC Holden is married with two young children and enjoys running and cycling in his spare time.

T/Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Craig will be a real asset to the Senior Command Team and offers a wealth of policing experience.

“He has worked for and within our communities here in Wiltshire for 18 years and his passion for policing is evident to all.

“Along with the wider Senior Command Team, Craig will help us build on our successes and continue to provide the best service possible for all those in our county.”