Ben KendallNorfolk chief constable Ian McPherson is to quit the force to take up a top job with the Metropolitan police, it was revealed tonigtht.Mr McPherson, who has been in Norfolk for almost three years, will take over command of about 30,000 officers and staff as he takes the lead for policing the capital's 32 boroughs, tackling everyday crimes, diversity and communications.Ben Kendall

Norfolk chief constable Ian McPherson is to quit the force to take up a top job with the Metropolitan police, it was revealed tonigtht.

Mr McPherson, who has been in Norfolk for almost three years, will take over command of about 30,000 officers and staff as he takes the lead for policing the capital's 32 boroughs, tackling everyday crimes, diversity and communications.

The five-year, fixed-term role commands an annual salary of �176,943 and is one of the most senior police jobs in the country.

Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said Mr McPherson will take on an 'incredibly challenging and rewarding role'.

He said: 'Ian is an outstanding officer who has an established record of success and has contributed much to the police service nationally - especially in relation to neighbourhood policing strategy, and the issue of young people and the misuse of drugs.'

For more on this story see tomorrow's newspaper.