Merseyside Police chief constable to retire

Merseyside's top police officer is to retire at the end of August, after more than 30 years in policing.

Serena Kennedy started her career in Greater Manchester, before rising through the ranks and becoming chief constable of Merseyside Police.

She oversaw the force's response to the Southport attack and subsequent riot in both the seaside town and Liverpool, the bombing of Liverpool Women's Hospital and the murders of Sam Rimmer, Ashley Dale and nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.

Announcing the news to staff this morning, Kennedy said: "As I move into the final 12 months of my five-year contract as Chief Constable, I have considered the timing of my retirement carefully and what is right for our communities, the force and my family.

"I have said in the past that the decisions we make in policing should always have our communities at their very heart … and that is what I am doing in this moment.

"The time is right for someone new to bring their vision and ideas to Merseyside Police and build on the work we have all done.

Chief Constable Kennedy, added: “I have dedicated my entire working life to policing, and I now want to dedicate my time to other things, most importantly, my family.

“It has been an extraordinary journey for me and I have loved every moment of leading a police force, which has its communities at the heart of everything it does – and it’s the officers and staff who ensure that our communities are at the front and centre of everything we do."

The Police and Crime Commissioner will start the process of appointing Chief Constable Kennedy’s successor later this month.