Force's new chief constable confirmed

Alexis Boon (left) was confirmed as the force's new chief constable after he was nominated by PCC Donna Jones

An experienced senior police officer will lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary from August after his appointment was confirmed.

Alexis Boon is currently the deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and will take over from Sam de Reya, who has been acting chief constable since April.

She replaced Scott Chilton, who retired after it was confirmed he was being investigated for two alleged workplace relationships.

Mr Boon said he wanted to continue "great work already done by the dedicated officers, staff and volunteers at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary".

His career started at Surrey Police as a constable in 1998, before he joining the Met.

He has led the strategic response to terrorism associated with the conflict in Syria and led hundreds of counter terrorism and national security operations across the UK and internationally.

"Alexis is one of the most senior and experienced national and international counter terrorism leaders in the country," Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's police and crime commissioner Donna Jones said.

"The skill set he brings to this role will pay dividends to us here in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in our changing climate."

Mr Boon's appointment was confirmed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel in Winchester on Tuesday after he was nominated by Ms Jones earlier this month.