SUFFOLK'S chief constable is among a group of four who are in the running for the top job at West Midlands Police.Paul Scott-Lee is being tipped for the role as the next chief constable of the West Midlands force, but officials at the Suffolk branch of the Police Federation have said they would be sorry to see him go.

SUFFOLK'S chief constable is among a group of four who are in the running for the top job at West Midlands Police.

Paul Scott-Lee is being tipped for the role as the next chief constable of the West Midlands force, but officials at the Suffolk branch of the Police Federation have said they would be sorry to see him go.

Chairman Chris Sadler said: "Paul Scott-Lee is very highly regarded here. There would be dismay if he left Suffolk to go to the West Midlands."

Mr Scott-Lee could be in line to return to the Midlands where he started his police career as a cadet with the Coventry and Warwickshire force in 1969.

Born in Coventry, the 48-year-old served with West Midlands Police until 1988, by which time he had risen to the rank of Chief Inspector.

On promotion to Superintendent, he transferred to Northamptonshire Police. In 1992, he became Assistant Chief Constable of Kent, before moving to Suffolk in 1994 as Deputy Chief Constable. He was appointed to the top job in October 1998.

The post of Chief Constable of the West Midlands will become vacant when the present incumbent, Sir Edward Crew, retires a year early in August.

Also being tipped as his possible successors are three other chief constables: John Giffard (Staffordshire), Paul Kernaghan (Hampshire) and Chris Fox (Northamptonshire).