Scotland Yard has appointed its first female Commissioner in the force's 188 year history.

Cressida Dick will take over from Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, who has held the post since 2011.

Ms Dick was one of the UK's most senior female police officers before leaving the Met to take up a position within the Foreign Office in 2014.

The former acting Deputy Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police was the officer in charge of the flawed operation which resulted in the death of Jean Charles de Menezes.

The young Brazilian man was shot dead by armed police in 2005 after being mistaken for a suicide bomber.

The 56-year-old's appointment hails a momentous moment in policing history, for the first time, all three top policing jobs in the UK are held by women.

Met Commissioner Dick joins the head of the National Crime Agency Lynne Owens and the president of the National Police Chief's Council Sara Thornton.

The appointment also comes when both the Home Secretary and Justice Secretary posts are held by women.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd, in consultation with London mayor, Sadiq Khan, both appointed the new Scotland Yard Commissioner.

The new police chief will be responsible for national issues such as counter-terrorism policing and Royal and diplomatic protection responsibilities.