Ayrshire has a new top cop after it was announced that Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain would take over as Divisional Commander for the area.

He replaces Ch Supt Mark Hargreaves who was transferred to the Glasgow Division to head up policing of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) which will take place in the city in November.

Ch Supt Hussain said: “I am delighted and privileged to be appointed as the next Local Police Commander for Ayrshire. I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work and relationships built with local partners and communities across North, East and South Ayrshire by my predecessor Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves.”

Ch Supt Hussain has 20 years police experience and from 2016 to 2018 he served in the Ayrshire Division as a Superintendent.

Following his time in Ayrshire he was seconded to the National Crime Agency in London and formed part of a national unit designed to support UK law enforcement.

In May 2019 he was promoted to Ch Supt, head of analysis, performance, demand and productivity.

He is currently a Strategic Firearms Commander, having previously been an Authorised Firearms Officer and a Tactical Firearms Commander.

Ch Supt Hussain said: “My priority will be to support our officers and staff ensuring we continue to work hard with our local communities and partners to reduce criminality and help the most vulnerable people across Ayrshire. I want to engage in a discussion about crime, the challenges facing police and how we will prioritise our activities.”

He added: “As Sir Robert Peel recognised at the beginning of modern policing in the late 1820s, the rule of law, the tacking of crime and effectiveness of policing depend on the quality of the relationship between the police and public. As the world changes dramatically I need to ensure this fundamental principle remains central. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of our officers and staff for their continued hard work.”