No officers have been identified as potential candidates for the top two Police jobs -- 16 months after two Britons were appointed Commissioner and Deputy, it emerged last night.

Deputy Commissioner Michael Mylod is to leave six months before the end of his contract and Government and Governor Lord Waddington said his successor would be appointed from overseas.

He or she will serve at least 18 months as more time is needed to "ensure a Bermudian successor receives appropriate training and experience to take over the post''.

But yesterday Mr. Mylod said no officers have been identified as potential successors although he said the "search is ongoing''.

And no officers have yet been sent to serve with overseas forces -- a step seen as vital in order to gain important experience.

Mr. Mylod will leave in September -- six months early -- and his successor will be appointed for at least 18 months, or possibly longer, meaning an overseas officer will serve in the post for at least three years.

The search for a replacement will centre on Britain and Commonwealth countries -- enraging Shadow Home Affairs Minister Alex Scott who said Government had failed in its terms of reference to find a Bermudian to take over.

Government maintains that the policy of Bermudianisation of the Service is still intact and says Bermudian officers will be appointed to Commissioner and Deputy "as soon as practicable''.

Yesterday, when asked if any officers have been identified as potential successors, Mr. Mylod said: "No, not yet -- although a search is ongoing.'' Asked if officers are being sent abroad to gain experience, Mr. Mylod replied: "It is envisaged officers will be sent overseas to broaden their experience.'' Mr. Mylod answered the questions in the absence of Commissioner Colin Coxall, who is off the Island.

Last night the National Liberal Party added its voice to criticism of the move to replace Mr. Mylod with an overseas officer.

NLP chairman Charles Jeffers said blame for the lack of a Bermudian successor had to be shared between Lord Waddington and Government.

"We should be hearing now about Bermudians who have been identified as a potential Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

"These people should be seconded to overseas Police Services in England, Canada or the States. It should be a time of preparation for these people,'' said Mr. Jeffers.

He said the NLP was not surprised the situation had arisen saying the axing of former Assistant Commissioner Wayne Perinchief and Supt. George Rose left a void in the upper ranks.

"In my view Mr. Coxall should have been brought over as a consultant to work alongside senior Bermudian officers.

"We are talking about getting Bermudians ready to take over the Bermuda Police Service. If we do not we will continue to bring in overseas officers.

It is time for us to invest in our local young men and women.''