A new man has taken over as the top policeman in North Norfolk and Broadland – with a promise to keep the people of the district 'as safe and secure as possible'.

Following a recent review of policing structures, Chief Insp Neil Baily has taken command after several years working in specialist covert policing roles across the East of England.

Speaking from his base at North Walsham, he said: 'I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take over the command of the North Norfolk district.

'Although this challenge is very different to the specialist areas of policing in which I have been involved for a number of years the objective remains the same – to keep the people of Norfolk as safe and secure as we possibly can.

'The introduction of Safer Neighbourhood Teams has made huge strides in building links with the community and my aim is to continue that good work. Quite simply, if an issue is important to the people of North Norfolk, it is important to me.'

Chief Insp Baily has worked in many roles during his 22-year police career. He served in Northamptonshire police for 12 years before transferring to Norfolk Constabulary in 2000. His career has primarily been working within specialist detective roles.

He returned to neighbourhood policing in 2005 when he became police inspector for Dereham, Watton and Swaffham, serving there for 18 months before returning to a detective inspector position at Norfolk police headquarters.

In his new post, Chief Insp Baily leads a team of two inspectors who are responsible for policing seven neighbourhoods which make up the North Norfolk district.

Insp Michael Brown heads Wells, Holt, Fakenham, Sheringham and Cromer, while Insp Matthew Dyson heads North Walsham and Stalham.