The police chief in London’s East End has left after four years in one of the Met’s toughest crime districts—to take on the West End.

Chief Supt Paul Rickett has left the top job in Tower Hamlets to take up a new command in Westminster.

“It’s been a busy time as you would expect, policing a vibrant and diverse community,” he said.

“I count it a success that we have worked well with statutory agencies and charities. Our partnership with the local authority has benefited those who live, work or visit Tower Hamlets.”

The new Borough Commander is Chief Supt Dave Stringer (pictured), who takes up the post today (Mon). He joined Sussex Police in 1993 and worked in several uniformed roles until transferring to the Met Police in 2002 as duty officer at Brixton. Mr Stringer’s last post was Borough Commander in Bexley.

He puts his personal focus on “protecting the community from crime and anti-social behaviour.”