Shaun Sawyer confirmed as Devon and Cornwall police chief

Shaun Sawyer has been acting in the position of Chief Constable since March

The proposed Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police has had his appointment confirmed.

Shaun Sawyer was approved unanimously by the Police and Crime Panel to take up the post.

Mr Sawyer was announced as the preferred candidate after interview on 15 January, but his appointment had to be ratified by the panel.

He will take up the job on a five-year contract with an annual salary of £151,000.

The panel's chairman, Devon County Councillor Roger Croad, said: "I am confident that with Mr Sawyer's expertise and leadership he will continue to provide an excellent policing service."

As part of his position Mr Sawyer will work closely with Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Hogg, although neither have commented yet.

He began his police career in 1986, initially as a uniformed officer in central London.

During his career, Mr Sawyer lead the Metropolitan Police's investigation into the Ladbroke Grove Rail Disaster in 1999 and has also investigated corruption within the police service.

He also served as the head of counter-terrorism within Scotland Yard and joined the Devon and Cornwall force as Deputy Chief Constable in April 2010.