Statement from Chief Constable D'Orsi following online announcement of new ACC Karen Findlay

Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi CVO QPM said: "Yesterday (16 February), British Transport Police posted to announce Karen Findlay as our new Assistant Chief Constable. I have been shocked to see how many people took our post, which was celebrating the appointment of a senior woman in policing, as an opportunity to respond with vile, nasty, and homophobic messages.

"Karen is an exceptional leader and public order commander with over 30 years of experience – I am disappointed her achievements aren’t the focus of the conversation. Although I am disgusted by the replies, I have decided to leave the post up to spotlight the misogyny that women in policing continue to face. But ignoring it would not reflect my values or the values of the force.

"In policing, we understand the value of public scrutiny; we welcome conversations about policing, actions, and how we can improve. But let me be clear, I will not accept bullying."