THE county’s top police officer will continue running Essex Police for the next four years.

Chief constable of Essex, Stephen Kavanagh, has had his contract extended by police and crime commissioner Roger Hirst.

Mr Kavanagh, who earns around £200,000 per year in his role, took over the position in 2013 following more than two decades with London’s Metropolitan Police.

He said: “I have been massively proud to lead every one of this force’s dedicated officers and staff over the past four years and it is a privilege to be asked to continue to be chief constable.

“I don’t underestimate the challenges policing holds in the future but we won’t shy away from them.

“I will, along with the rest of the force, meet these head on with the interests of the public at the forefront of every action.

“Criminals coming here to commit crime will be met with force and victims will be treated with compassion.

“I commit to remain open and honest, putting vulnerable people and the welfare of police officers first.”