A police officer from East Lancashire has been appointed as the top crimefighter for Guernsey.

Damian Kitchen, who grew up in the Ribble Valley, has been selected as the Chief of Police for the Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands.

He worked in a variety of different roles across East Lancashire, covering response, neighbourhood and roads policing, including becoming a sergeant in Accrington, before a stint with Special Branch.

Later as an inspector, he oversaw roads policing and as a chief inspector helmed operations teams, covering highways, dog, mounted and firearms units.

After a spell as a superintendent in Blackpool he later moved to become operations head at the National Police Coordination Centre and has recently co-ordinated UK police support for the Paris Olympics.

On his new role, which also covers the islands of Alderney and Sark and commences in November, Mr Kitchen said: "I am honoured to have been asked to take up the role and cannot wait to get started.

"Having visited the island on several occasions now, I have undertaken a number of preparatory meetings and have been impressed by the commitment and friendliness of the officers and staff I have met in both the policing and border agency teams.

"While I bring many years of experience to the role, I have much to learn about delivering law enforcement and working with partners in the context of Guernsey.

"I am grateful for the support of the Home Affairs team during both the recruitment process and recent months leading up to my official appointment.

"I am certain this close relationship will continue and we will work together to deliver a first-class service to communities and visitors across the Bailiwick."

His appointment, initially a secondment from Lancashire Constabulary, was confirmed by Guernsey's Committee for Home Affairs after a series of interviews.

Deputy Rob Prow, committee president, added: "Damian will bring with him a huge amount of policing knowledge which I have no doubt will be to the advantage of all of Bailiwick law Enforcement.

"While we are fortunate to have many dedicated officers already within Guernsey Police and the Guernsey Border Agency, making this appointment from the UK will allow us to bring in a fresh pair of eyes and different experiences, which will be invaluable in continuing to evolve Guernsey Police and Bailiwick Law Enforcement."