The head of the Metropolitan Police's diplomatic protection group has been appointed Croydon borough commander.

Chief Supt Andy Tarrant will take over from the departing Chief Supt Dave Musker on Monday.

Two other senior officers, Det Supt Simon Messinger and Supt Caroline Trevithick, will also depart this week.

Chief Supt Tarrant arrives from his role as head of the unit at the centre of the 'plebgate' scandal, having also worked in Hackney and Lambeth.

The diplomatic protection group's responsibilities include safeguarding Government ministers, visiting heads of state and hospitals. 

Chief Supt Musker is leaving to head the Met's commander taskforce and specialist armed policing, leading units including dogs, mounted branch, the specialist firearms unit, the territorial support group and marine and air support units.

He said: "It has been an honour and privilege to be the Borough Commander here in Croydon. I've dealt with many things since I arrived; from the Olympics, fires to floods and even seeing Crystal Palace promoted to the Premier League - all of which have posed unique and varied policing challenges.

"Croydon is a safer place than three years ago with a sustained reduction in offences and with its lowest crime rate for many years. This is because there is a team of fantastic, dedicated and professional officers and staff in Croydon that work tirelessly to keep the borough safe.

"I feel immensely proud to have worked with so many talented and dedicated officers and staff and I know that my successor, Andy Tarrant, is inheriting a brilliant group of people who will continue to keep Croydon safe.

"I'd also like to thank Simon and Caroline who are moving on to specialist roles, as well as the rest of my command team here, who have shown great leadership, dedication and commitment over the past three years.

"Simply put, it is the best command team I have been involved with during my 24 years of police service.

"I am looking forward to my next challenge of leading the Met's Taskforce and Firearms officers; a role I was delighted to be appointed to by the Commissioner and humbled to accept.

"It is an immense personal and professional challenge and I feel privileged to lead a dedicated and highly professional world class group of men and women working to keep people safe."

Supt Carron Schusler, who joins from Bromley Borough, and Det Supt Paul Astbury, will replace the two other departing officers.