A new chief constable has been appointed within Dyfed-Powys Police, it has been announced.

Ian Arundale, who is currently deputy chief constable of West Mercia Police, is expected to take up his new role in June.

He succeeds Terry Grange who retired from the force in November following allegations of computer misuse and financial irregularities.

Mr Arundale started his career with South Wales Police.

He became assistant chief constable at West Mercia in November 2000 before becoming deputy chief in 2005.

Dyfed-Powys acting chief constable, Andrew Edwards, said that he was “delighted” such an experienced officer had been appointed to the force.

He said that Mr Arundale had strong links with the area and the force looked forward to further developing its “excellent operational reputation” under his leadership.

Mr Edwards has been the acting head of Dyfed-Powys Police since November.

Mr Arundale is chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers’ (Acpo) firearms working group and is responsible for producing policy governing the police use of firearms throughout the UK.

He has gained a MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Cardiff University, as well as a BA in Police Studies from the University of Glamorgan.

He has also studied law and order throughout the United States.

Mr Arundale has travelled extensively throughout North America and in 1995 was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in Police Studies to study strategic policing issues within the USA.