ENFIELD'S police chief has retired after 31 years of service to policing in the capital.

Chief Superintendent Dave Tucker left his office at Edmonton Police Station for the final time yesterday, and is moving on to new role at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

He took charge in Enfield in June 2009, after two years as a senior officer in neighbouring Barnet.

He joined the force in December 1990, patrolling from West Hendon Police Station before his promotion to Sergeant in Camden in 1987.

Mr Tucker rose through the ranks of the Met, including a two-year stint on the firearms unit, and a period as a DCI on the Racial and Violent Crime Task Force.

He took over in Enfield after a difficult period for the police, including a series of youth killings the year before. Mr Tucker was called into action this summer when rioting broke out on the streets of Enfield in August.

Detective Superintendent Simon Laurence will fill his shoes temporarily while a permanent replacement for the borough commander is found.