Lancashire Police Chief Constable Chris Rowley set to retire after more than 31 years

Mr Rowley, 54, joined Lancashire Police in April 2021 on promotion from Humberside Police, having spent all of his previous career in West Yorkshire.

As well as serving as Lancashire's Chief Constable, he is also the national lead for police wellbeing.

Commenting on his announcement, Chief Constable Rowley said: "Becoming the Chief Constable of Lancashire was the pinnacle of my career and an absolute honour.

"Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work with outstanding police officers, police staff, partners and communities.

"The decision to retire has been difficult, but I feel now is the right time to hand the force over to the next person who will no doubt work tirelessly with the Police and Crime Commissioner to continue to reduce crime and make Lancashire a safe place to live, work and visit."

Through his leadership, crime levels across Lancashire have fallen and in addition 612 new police officers have been recruited over the past three years.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said: "I would like to thank Chris Rowley for everything he has achieved and delivered as Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary.

"He has driven forward the fighting crime plan I launched in 2021, with determination, vigour and professionalism.

"Through his focus on fighting crime and protecting people, improving the service the public receive, working across the criminal justice sector to improve prosecution rates and ensuring local community policing is rebuilt and more visible – crime has significantly fallen in our county and Lancashire is a safer place thanks to Chris' leadership."

Mr Snowden added recruitment for a new chief constable would begin on Friday, January 5.

Applications close at midday on Thursday, February 8.

Deputy Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett will exercise all the functions of the Chief Constable until a successor is appointed.

A new Chief Constable is expected to take up the post in summer 2024 for a fixed term post lasting five years.

"I will be seeking to appoint a new Chief Constable who knows how to harness, prioritise and build on these foundations to deliver on the priorities set out in my Fighting Crime Plan," Mr Snowden said.

"I want Lancashire Constabulary to have a reputation as the most pro-active, crime fighting force in the Country that relentlessly takes the fight to criminals, has a highly visible presence on our streets and who's officers and staff are seen as figures of authority and respect – ultimately reducing the number of victims, making people feel safer and improving public confidence."