BEXLEY Police has appointed a top new crime fighter. 

Superintendent Peter Ayling, 35, was welcomed as the new Superintendent of Operations on Tuesday (October 9).

Originally from Hampshire the married father has an MSc in applied criminology and began his police career with Kent Police in 1998.

While there he worked in various posts across the county including sergeant on the Tactical Firearms Unit and as a Cadre Commander for public order and firearms.

In 2007 Mr Ayling was head of the Development Unit, was promoted to Chief Inspector in 2008 and posted to North Kent as Chief Inspector of operations, leading a number of cross border initiatives with Bexley Borough.

In December 2011 he joined the Metropolitan Police Service as a Superintendent and was posted to Southwark Borough.

Before becoming a police officer Peter worked as a personal trainer.

He is a keen sportsman and has played basketball at a semi professional level.

Mr Ayling said: "I am delighted to be joining Bexley Police. Although I have only been in the MPS since December 2011, I have been really impressed with the professionalism and dedication of my colleagues working in an incredibly challenging environment.

"I look forward to my role on Bexley Borough and I know it well as a resident and also from my previous role from across the border."