Forty police staff apply for voluntary redundancy

A police force is looking to shed 20 jobs to help it keep spending levels within budget.

Northern Constabulary said it hoped to avoid compulsory redundancies. So far 40 employees have sought further details to leave voluntarily.

The Northern Joint Police Board has given the force approval to decide who should be granted voluntary severance or early retirement.

Chief Constable Ian Latimer said the force was facing financial challenges.