Top officer officially takes job

Steve Finnigan started his career at Merseyside Police

Lancashire's top police officer has officially taken up the post, after two years doing the job.

Steve Finnigan is the Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary - a post he has been acting in since 2005.

The proposed merger with the Cumbria force meant the appointment was temporarily put on hold.

He joined Merseyside Police in 1976 and was a Detective Superintendent in the Major Crime Unit, before joining Lancashire in 2001.

His predecessor, Paul Stephenson, left to join the Metropolitan Police in 2005.

'Privilege and honour'

Malcolm Doherty, chairman of the Police Authority, said he was delighted to see Mr Finnigan confirmed as the Chief Constable.

"It is a richly deserved reward for a lot of effort and commitment - and is testament of the work he has done to date," he said.

Mr Finnegan acted as the Gold Commander during the Burnley riots, and, following promotion to Deputy Chief Constable, performed the same role for the Labour Party Conference of 2002.

Mr Finnegan said he was "absolutely delighted" with his post.

"It will be a privilege and honour to serve the people of Lancashire in that role for the next five years," he said.