Two PSNI officers in running for Basra job

Two of Northern Ireland's top police officers are in the running to take charge of a new force in Iraq's second city of Basra…

Two of Northern Ireland's top police officers are in the running to take charge of a new force in Iraq's second city of Basra.

Assistant Chief Constables Stephen White and Chris Albiston are also on the shortlist to become a special adviser to coalition forces in Baghdad.

They are being interviewed by British Foreign Office officials in London today.

Two other senior officers from forces in England have also been shortlisted.

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Mr White (48) has worked in Indonesia, Mongolia and Serbia. Mr Albiston (50), was based in Kosovo for more than a year and is head of the PSNI's crime department.

Between 1999 and 2001, Mr White was heavily involved with the management team set up by former RUC chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan to oversee policing reforms as part of the creation of the PSNI.

It is understood the Foreign Office is looking to fill the Basra post as quickly as possible and the job in Baghdad within a couple of weeks.