Ayrshire's top cop Detective Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain has said he's "humbled" to receive a temporary promotion to assistant chief constable.

It is the third highest rank in Police Scotland and he will now be the interim executive lead for partnership, prevention and community wellbeing (PPCW).

His temporary replacement as Ayrshire's Divisional Commander will be temporary Chief Superintendenr Raymond Higgins, who had previously been serving in Lanarkshire.

T/ACC Hussain said on Twitter: "I’m humbled to have been selected for a temporary promotion.

"T/Ch Supt Raymond Higgins will become Ayrshire's Interim Divisional Commander. He’ll be bringing a wealth of policing experience to Ayrshire from a variety of roles including most recently from Lanarkshire division.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my hardworking Ayrshire colleagues and partners for their unwavering commitment to keep Ayrshire safe.

"It has been truly inspiring to witness their dedication and passion to protect and serve their fellow citizens.

TACC Hussain took on the Ayrshire role just as the Covid pandemic began in March 2020.

He had served in Ayrshire division from 2016-2018 as a superintendent before being seconded to the National Crime Agency in London where he was part of a national unit designed to support UK Law Enforcement.

TACC Hussain's new role follows the retirement of chief constable sir Iain Livingstone QPM last week.

Chief constable, Jo Farrell, will take up the top post in October with deputy chief constable designate Fiona Taylor QPM taking on the responsibilities of chief constable in the interim period.