New NI police chief starts work

The Chief Constable is having to deal with an increase in violence

A huge bomb, violence on the streets and police check points to try and keep a lid on any more trouble.

Not usually the kind of problems you expect on your first day at work.

But that's exactly what Matt Baggott, the new Chief Constable of the Northern Ireland Police Service, found in his in tray this morning.

"I'm deeply saddened that there are still people trapped in the past," he said.

"That there are people who are still trapped in violence and intimidation."

That's because 2009 has been one of the bloodiest years in recent times for Northern Ireland.

In March two British soldiers were shot dead outside their barracks in Antrim by the Real IRA.

Three days later, the Continuity IRA killed a police officer in Craigavon.

Bomb

Both these dissident republican groups want to wreck the peace process that's been going on since the late 90s.

It's the threat of attacks from them, and people like them, that Chief Constable Matt Baggott is going to have to deal with.

After a few months of relative calm since those two attacks trouble has stepped up a gear in the last few weeks.

Two weeks ago, police diffused a 600lb (272kg) bomb found close to the border.

Over the weekend there was more violence on the streets of County Armagh.

But the new Chief Constable is confident he can deal with the problems waiting for him.

"I know the greatest resource for dealing with that (the increased violence) is the vast majority of people who want to make the future a more positive place for their people".