A NEW senior police officer will oversee crime-fighting in Bolton, Bury and Wigan.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison has been appointed the divisional commander for the three divisions.

Mr Ellison joined Greater Manchester Police as a new recruit in Stockport in 1994 before joining Merseyside Police for 16 years, serving in uniform, in the CID and in the force’s public order unit and in specialist public order roles.

Chf Supt Ellison returned to GMP in 2010, becoming a Superintendent in Wigan and working in North Manchester where he had responsibility for Manchester city centre.

Since promotion to Chief Superintendent in 2013, he has worked in central GMP roles, most notably as branch commander for the Operational Communications Branch.

The former divisional commander for Bolton and Bury, Chf Supt Shaun Donnellan, has moved to the Public Protection Unit.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “All of the colleagues taking up posts are very experienced police leaders who are committed to working with their local policing teams, local people, partner agencies and the voluntary sector to ensure we can continue to deliver really effective policing to the people of Greater Manchester.

“They will all bring energy and commitment to ensuring GMP tackles the issues that cause the biggest threat and harm to our communities, therefore helping to keep people safe.”