Mr Hollis has set his sights on improving performance

Tim Hollis, who takes over in April, vowed to improve the performance of the force, which was criticised in a report into the handling of the Soham murders.

He replaces 55-year-old David Westwood, who is retiring a year early in a deal struck with the former Home Secretary, David Blunkett.

Mr Hollis is Assistant Inspector of Constabulary and a former assistant chief constable of South Yorkshire.

The father-of-three said: "I am absolutely delighted to be appointed chief constable.

"I am familiar with Humberside and am looking forward to working with everyone to improve on overall performance".

David Westwood takes early retirement at the end of March

Police authority chairman Colin Inglis said: "It was an incredibly tough decision.

"We were aware of the need to find the right person who is capable of leading Humberside Police in the forthcoming years when the emphasis is very much on improving performance.

"We also needed to select someone who will inspire the force to drive through the many planned and necessary developments that it needs to introduce to improve public confidence.

"We are sure that in Tim Hollis we have found that person.