Two police chiefs support a three-force merger

Mike Craik from the Northumbria force said amalgamation would supply the best policing for everyone in the region.

His Durham counterpart Jon Stoddart said from a professional point of view a single force was the only option.

However the Cleveland Force has vowed to fight the decision, saying it flies in the face of the views of the public.

Previously it has said it wants to join up with Durham for the creation of a Tees Valley force, and has vowed to fight merger plans.

'Future challenges'

Talks were being held at the Home Office on Monday with chief constables and police authority chairs of all the affected forces on how best to implement the proposals.

Mike Craik, Northumbria Chief Constable, said: "We are delighted that the Home Secretary has agreed that the best way to police the North East in the 21st Century is by a single strategic force.

"Although we recognise that politicians in Cleveland have some concerns we have no doubt that an amalgamation of the three forces will supply the very best policing for everyone in the region.

"Only a strategic force which stretches from the Scottish border to North Yorkshire will have the capability to meet the current and future challenges posed by organised crime and terrorism."

'Tackle Mr Bigs'

Durham Chief Constable Jon Stoddart agreed the creation of a "single strategic force" was the only option.

"Senior police officers and police committee members in Northumbria and Durham have been unanimous in that view," he said.

"It is the best way to safeguard and improve our excellent community policing and, at the same time tackle extremists, terrorists and the Mr Bigs of serious and organised crime."

Councillor Dave McLuckie, chair of the Cleveland Police Authority, said the force was resolute in its determination to oppose amalgamation, which would cost millions of pounds of tax-payers money.