HE WAS number two – but today Andy Marsh begins his new job as Hampshire’s top cop Mr Marsh, who was Hampshire Constabulary’s deputy chief constable, replaces departing Chief Constable Alex Marshall, who has become chief executive officer of the newly-formed College of Policing.

Mr Marsh praised his predecessor and said Mr Marshall had been 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. His appointment was confirmed after he appeared before the Hampshire and Police Crime Panel.

Mr Hayes said: “He was the exceptional candidate for the job, and is well placed to take the organisation forward, having started the journey by being in charge of the force change programme in his role as deputy chief constable.”