Ceremony for new GMP police chief

Mr Fahy was previously in charge of Cheshire Constabulary

Greater Manchester Police's new chief constable, Peter Fahy, has been sworn in at a ceremony at Salford Civic Centre's council chambers in Swinton.

Mr Fahy, 45, had his three-month notice waived by previous employer, Cheshire Police, so he could start tackling his new role early.

He replaces Michael Todd, who was found dead in Snowdonia in March. An inquest into his death takes place in October.

The force is one of England's biggest, employing about 8,000 officers.

Speaking ahead of his first day, Mr Fahy said he expected his new role to prove challenging, especially following the circumstances surrounding Michael Todd's death.

Media profile

"I knew Mike very well and he was a wonderful police leader but it does mean it's a particularly strange situation to be taking over," he told the BBC.

"Sadly, there is no predecessor I can speak to about his experience of the force, and there is still some pain for Greater Manchester Police to go through because the inquest hasn't been heard yet."

Mr Fahy said he was also expecting a higher media profile because of the switch to Manchester.

"Whatever happens in Manchester affects the rest of the country," he added.

The new chief has experience of the media spotlight through the Garry Newlove murder case, but admitted there would be added pressures because of Mr Todd's death.

"I'm already starting to feel a little bit of pressure but some of the experiences I've had on the national stage have served me well, so I'm aware of what I'm about to let myself in for."