MERSEYSIDE Police assistant chief constable has been appointed to a high ranking role in Greater Manchester’s force, with a salary over £120,000.

Simon Byrne was given the job on Friday and is expected to take up his new post within three months.

The move follows a reshuffle of top north west police posts after the death of controversial former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) chief constable Michael Todd, who was found dead on Snowdon in March last year.

Cheshire’s chief constable, Peter Fahy, took over the top job at GMP to replace Mr Todd and then David Whatton, who was deputy chief constable at GMP, replaced Mr Fahy in Cheshire.

This reshuffle left GMP’s deputy chief constable position open, and Mr Byrne was deemed to be the outstanding candidate from an “impressive” shortlist of six.

Chairman of Greater Manchester’s police authority, Cllr Paul Murphy said: “GMP is one of the largest forces in the country.

“Our officers are among the best and our chief officer vacancies always attract the highest calibre of applicants.

“The interview process is designed to ensure the most suitable candidate is appointed and that has been the case.”