A policeman who had to deal with a terror attack on his past patch has become Kent's Deputy Chief Constable.

Peter Ayling was Borough Commander at the time of the Westminster terror attack six years ago.

He has carried out his DCC role temporarily since last October and will now continue to do so following a selection process, which concluded today.

Chief Constable Tim Smith said: "DCC Ayling has an incredibly strong background in local policing, public order, firearms command and strategic partnerships, both in Kent and in London.

"His passion for the role, the force, and for serving our communities in Kent came across very clearly and he will work closely with me as we develop the force going forward. I am extremely pleased to appoint him as DCC."

DCC Ayling joined Kent Police in 1998 and gained several promotions before leaving to take up a Superintendent position at the Metropolitan Police in 2011.

During his time at the Met he had responsibility for more than 1,500 officers and staff as the Borough Commander for Westminster.

One of his most important tasks was dealing with the aftermath of the terror attack outside the Houses of Parliament in 2017.

DCC Ayling returned to Kent Police in June 2018 as the Assistant Chief Constable for local policing.

He was formally appointed as DCC after being interviewed by an assessment panel.

This was chaired by the Chief Constable and including the Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott, Kent Police Director of Human Resources Richard Leicester, and senior representatives from Kent County Council and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

DCC Ayling said: "I feel very proud, honoured and privileged to have been appointed as Deputy Chief Constable for Kent Police.

"I’m the son of a Kent Police officer, I’ve lived here all my life, so I cannot think of a greater honour than this.

"Kent is a wonderful place to live, work and visit and has a police force committed to keeping people safe, and preventing crime and antisocial behaviour.

"I look forward to playing my part alongside Chief Constable Smith and every other officer and member of staff to help Kent Police continue to provide the very best service to victims and witnesses."

On March 22, 2017, Dartford-born terrorist Khalid Masoon ploughed his car into pedestrians outside the Palace of Westminster, killing four and injuring more than 50 others.

He got out on foot and stabbed an unarmed policeman to death and was then shot dead by an armed officer.

Kent MPs were among those kept in lockdown inside the Commons until it was clear the danger had subsided.

The incident was one of five terror attacks in England that year, another being the Manchester Arena bombing.