The new chief constable of Essex Police formally took his oath at a ceremony front of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

Ben-Julian "BJ" Harrington is the 13th officer to serve the county in its highest uniformed position.

He was sworn in before Roger Hirst, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Prophet and other officers and staff at a special ceremony at Police Headquarters in Chelmsford.

Mr Harrington, said: “I am proud and privileged to be a police officer and especially honoured to be the thirteenth Chief Constable of Essex Police.

“There are well over five thousand officers, staff and specials working hard across our county to keep people safe, and our focus must be to protect the vulnerable, bring criminals to justice and work with our partners to solve the problems our communities face.

“We have a hugely positive future ahead of us and I can’t wait to get started.”

Mr Hirst added: "On behalf of the people of Essex I am delighted that Mr Harrington is now officially Chief Constable of Essex Police. He has already made a significant impact since joining Essex Police as Temporary Deputy Chief Constable in March 2017 and will bring a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Constable.

“The residents of Essex and the officers, staff and volunteers who make up Essex Police can be assured that Mr Harrington is an outstanding leader, cemented by more than 27 years of operational service both in Essex and the Metropolitan Police Service. I’m looking forward to working with him in the future as we work towards the vision for Essex that safe and secure communities are the bedrock on which we build success and wellbeing for all.”

Mr Harrington has taken over the from Stephen Kavanagh who left the force on Tuesday, after serving 33 years as an officer and more than four years as chief constable.