The district’s top cop is leaving his role to join the Metropolitan Police.

District Commander for Braintree and Uttlesford Craig Carrington, who took up the post in January 2016, will start his new role at the Continuous Policing Improvement Command next month.

He will be replaced by Chief Insp Janette Rawlingson from Monday, September 10.

Mr Carrington said he was proud of his 18 years with Essex Police and in particular his time as district commander over the two patches - which make up an area as big as the county of Bedfordshire.

He said: “The opportunity to work in Braintree and Uttlesford has been fantastic.

“It has been quite a challenging time for Essex Police with the impact of austerity and the new ways of working we have had to introduce. I have been in the role through the shutting of quite a few police stations across the districts and the reduction in the numbers of local policing team members.

“I have done my best and supported and developed my team to deliver the victim focused policing service I wanted to deliver.”

Mr Carrington, who will continue to live in Essex, said he was particularly proud of the good community links which he helped build.

He said: “We have forged some really strong partnerships and I am sure Chief Insp Janette Rawlingson will be able to take them forward and provide an increased service for residents.”

Mr Carrington will work from Hendon in North London, where he started his career 24 years ago.

He said: “I am under no illusion working for the Met will be very different but I am looking forward to the challenge.”