LEIGH crime-buster Mike Whiting has moved to take charge of the Greater Manchester Police criminal intelligence unit.

Det Ch Insp Whiting, who had been crime manger at Leigh since September 1996, has been replaced by DCI Ian Hilton

Mr Hilton comes to Leigh from duties at Manchester Airport.

Paying tribute to his former joint second-in-command, Supt Malcolm Howells said Mr Whiting had established a cohesive and dynamic crime management unit and crime detection force within the Leigh sub-division.

"He has done that despite being involved in several murders and serious incidents. The people of Leigh have the benefit of knowing there are very few more capable senior detective officers in GMP than Mike Whiting. I personally owe him an immense debt for his encouragment and suppport during his time in Leigh."

During his service, Mr Whiting has been at Longsight, Stockport and on attachment to the major crime investigation unit, formerly the Robbery Squad.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.