Police anti-terror head to retire

The head of Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism unit is to retire in January after more than 30 years in the police force.

 Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke led investigations into both the 7 July and 21 July 2005 attacks.
He has headed the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism command since 2002.


Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said: "Mr Clarke has performed outstandingly. His contribution to the fight against terrorism has been truly significant."


'Beneath contempt'
Metropolitan Police Authority chairman Len Duvall said DAC Clarke had made "an immense contribution to protecting the public, and in doing so has undoubtedly saved lives".


In April DAC Clarke told a meeting of the Policy Exchange think tank that there was a damaging "lack of public trust" in intelligence.


He also condemned as "beneath contempt" people who leak anti-terrorism intelligence.


The process of appointing DAC Clarke's successor, who must be approved by the home secretary, has already begun.


The role is open to commanders, assistant chief constables, deputy assistant commissioners and deputy chief constables.

Source: BBC