New police chief named

Guernsey's police force is 20 officers under strength

Guernsey's new Chief of Police has been named.

Superintendent George Le Page is to take over from Mike Wyeth as the head of the island's force.

His appointment comes at a time when officer numbers are below strength.

The appointment of Mr Le Page, who joined Guernsey Police as a cadet in 1967, was revealed by Guernsey's Committee for Home Affairs.

Challenging times

Mr Le Page worked his way up through the ranks to the post of Deputy Chief Officer in 1998.

About 20 officers are needed to bring the Guernsey force up to full strength. In recent weeks, off-duty officers have been called in to bolster the ranks.

The Home Affairs Committee has said it is confident the appointment of Mr Le Page, who is married, will lead Guernsey Police through the "challenging times ahead".

Outgoing chief Mike Wyeth is retiring after 33 years as a police officer, the last six of those in Guernsey.