A FORMER detective in the Flying Squad has become the new head of police in Bury.

Chief Superintendent David Anthony took over as the town's most senior officer yesterday after a 25-year career in the Metropolitan Police in London.

Chief Supt Anthony, aged 46, has investigated hundreds of murders and serious crimes in the capital as part of the force's elite Flying Squad and as a senior investigating officer on the North East London murder squad.

He takes over from Chief Supt Janette McCormick, who left Bury in March to become commander of the Trafford division of Greater Manchester Police.

Chief Supt Anthony, whose wife comes from Knutsford, Cheshire, is a keen football and rugby union fan.

He said: "I am delighted to be leading Bury police and have been bowled over with the warm northern reception that I have received.

"I am looking forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessors, especially in relation to working with the BurySafe partnership, and developing closer links with the many communities living here.

"Bury has a reputation as being one of the safest places to live in Greater Manchester and with the support of my colleagues, our partners and the people of Bury, I intend to ensure that it continues to be so."