Greenwich is set to get a new borough commander next week following Helen Millichap's departure after two years in the role.

Chief Superintendent Simon Dobinson, 45, is set to take over the position on August 1.

He joined the police service in 1994 and has worked in both the Met Police and Essex Police.

He has served in community policing roles, including the district commander at Basildon and as a specialist firearms officer, instructor and strategic firearms commander in the specialist firearms command.

Ch Supt Dobinson said: "Although I've never worked in Greenwich before, I have spent a considerable amount of my policing career in local policing and I am keen to deliver to the public and my staff in my new borough.

“I'm really pleased to be taking over from Helen who has done a tremendous job over the last two years, leading the borough operational command unit through some challenging times and I know she is immensely proud of what our officers and staff have achieved.

“Greenwich has an excellent reputation for working in partnership with the community and statutory partners and I'm looking forward to leading the borough."

While serving in the Essex police he helped to develop county wide crime reduction initiatives to drive down crime and disorder.

In the MPS he has helped to build specialist firearms capability and has served as a hostage and crisis negotiator in both Essex and the Met.

Ch Supt Dobinson is married with three children, and is interested in running, triathlon and walking.