A NATIONAL intelligence expert, who has led national campaigns tackling crime, is to take up a new role in Cumbria.

Cumbria Constabulary has appointed Mark Webster as a new Assistant Chief Constable within its chief officer team. He takes over from temporary ACC Sean Robinson, who has retired from policing.

Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “Sean Robinson was an extremely valued member of the Cumbria policing team throughout his 27 years of service, and everyone at the constabulary wishes him well for the future.

“I am very pleased to now welcome Mark Webster, who has an exceptional background in many different areas of policing. He will be a great asset to our chief officer team, and to the constabulary as a whole.”

ACC Webster comes to the county from the National Crime Agency, where he was director of intelligence and operations and the lead for several national campaigns. He has also served in the Greater Manchester Police, where he began work in 1992.

He said: “Having been a regular visitor to Cumbria over many years, I now feel extremely honoured and excited to be working here. Since arriving, I have encountered many hard-working officers and partners who are clearly dedicated to making Cumbria a safe place to live.

“I believe my former experience with Greater Manchester Police and the National Crime Agency will help me continue to enhance Cumbria Constabulary’s focus on protecting people. I’ve had the opportunity to visit a number of policing teams across the county, from Carlisle to Millom, and will continue to do so to increase my knowledge of the challenges we face and ensure that together with our partners and communities, Cumbria Constabulary provides the best service we can. I am really pleased to be moving to Cumbria with my wife and young family and look forward to becoming part of the community."

Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner Peter McCall has welcomed ACC Webster’s appointment.

He said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome ACC Mark Webster to Cumbria. Mark brings with him a wealth of valuable skills and experience which will complement our chief officer team, and help ensure Cumbria remains one of the safest places to live and work in the country.”