ESSEX Police's top cop has claimed the force is the most improved in the country.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said he was delighted with force's report card from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

The Peel - police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy - report rated Essex Police as "good" in all three categories.

The previous year the force "required improvement" in how effective the blue light service was at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

Mr Kavanagh said: "These reports tell a powerful story of the most improved police force in the country and I am delighted the hard work, dedication and bravery and energy of all our officers and staff have been recognised.

"Essex Police is judged to be a highly effective, efficient and legitimate police force.

"From our ability to respond to emergency demand, work smarter to find more time to fight and prevent crime, support welfare and wellbeing across the force and put victims and vulnerability at the centre of all we do, I’m proud of this endorsement.

"However we will never be complacent about the safety of communities in Essex and will focus on building on our improvement in future."

The report had been due to come out the day after the terrorist attack in Westminster but HMIC decided to delay the release of the reports deciding it would be an inappropriate time to release a review about policing across the counties.

The report into Essex Police still found areas where improvement is needed.

HMIC Inspector Zoe Billingham said: "I am very pleased with the overall performance of Essex Police. I am particularly pleased with the progress the force has made in the effectiveness with which it keeps people safe and reduces crime.

"There have been improvements across all areas including in how the force supports people who are vulnerable."

The force has been advised to focus on improving its protection of vulnerable people and supporting victims of crime, particularly children.

The number of unresolved open incidents and the number of suspects who have been identified but not yet investigated is also of concern to HMIC.