New man heads Manx police force

Mr Langdon is the island's new chief constable

The new year sees a new name heading the Isle of Man's police force.

Mike Culverhouse, who has recently been awarded the Queen's Police Medal (QPM), retired on Monday after eight years as head of Manx Constabulary.

Taking over the senior position is Mike Langdon. He was awarded the QPM in 2004 and previously held senior posts at Merseyside Police.

Mr Langdon, 51, who is originally from Bolton, Greater Manchester, started his police career in Lancashire in 1975.

His time with the Manx police has on occasion been controversial, particularly when he recruited people for two top posts, deputy chief constable and chief inspector, from off the island.

Speaking about his new role, Chief Constable Langdon said he was delighted to take on the position and would be looking to improve community policing.

"Success to me in five years' time will be an even closer policing link with our communities that is focused upon a local partnership approach to solving local problems."