THE choice for the new chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been confirmed.

Andy Marsh, who is currently Hampshire Constabulary’s deputy chief constable, will start in his new role on Monday, February 4.

He will replace Chief Constable Alex Marshall, who will become the new chief executive officer of the newly-formed College of Policing.

Mr Marsh praised his predecessor and said he was highly effective at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

He added: “It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to continue to progress that great work, and I look forward to working with the police and crime commissioner in building and developing a policing service that focuses on the needs of all those within our communities.

“Our partner agencies across the two counties are an important part of this process because we cannot do it alone, and we will continue to strengthen those partnerships.

“I am very proud that our force is full of highly committed and dedicated staff. I want to develop the organisation to enable them to help the public to the very best of their ability, because I know that is what our staff come to work to do.”

Mr Marsh was the preferred candidate of police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes. He then went before the Hampshire and Police Crime Panel last Friday.