The man who served as the police's lead response to the 2011 royal wedding will become the new leader of Kent Police’s Serious Crime Directorate.

The force announced today that Matthew Horne, currently chief superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, will become the assistant chief constable of the initiative, which is a joint venture with Essex Police.

A firm start date has not yet been agreed.

Commander Horne first joined the Met in 1989.

Since then he has worked in a number of different departments, including the Homicide and Serious Crime Command and the Specialist Crime Directorate, where he served as detective superintendent.

In December 2010 he was the lead crime response for a series of student demonstrations, and one from the TUC and went on to become the senior police team lead to the Leveson public Inquiry.

He joined Hackney Borough as Commander in April 2012.

Chief Constable of Kent, Alan Pughsley said: “I am delighted to announce this new appointment. Commander Horne will be a great asset to a directorate that has been built between the two forces. “Having founded the directorate, I am proud of how the two forces have worked hard together with great results. Matthew brings great experience to the role and made a huge impression on the interview panel with his knowledge and commitment to policing.

Ann Barnes, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I am very pleased with the appointment of Matthew Horne to head the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

“Detective Chief Superintendent Horne has considerable experience and I am sure he will be a great asset to policing in our two counties.”

Detective chief superintendent Liam Osborne, who has been acting in the role of Assistant Chief Constable for SCD will revert to his former role as SCD’s deputy.