Surrey's top cop is to take over the job of leading the fight against terrorism.

Chief Constable Bob Quick has been appointed as the Met's new assistant commissioner for specialist operations.

He takes over from Andy Hayman, who announced his retirement in December after it was revealed he faces an investigation into expenses claims.

Mr Hayman had also come under fire following the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell Tube station on July 22, 2005.

The 27-year-old was shot dead after he was mistaken for a suicide bomber in the wake of the July 7 London bombings and failed July 21 attacks.

A report by the Independent Police Complaints Committee found Mr Hayman had misled the public and senior police officers in the days immediately after the shooting.

Mr Quick will take on responsibility for counter-terrorism, specialist protection and royalty protection.

The five-year fixed term post has a £168,000 salary.

Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said: "Protecting London against terrorism will remain the Met's number one priority for the foreseeable future and taking the strategic lead in that at assistant commissioner level requires real dedication and commitment."

Mr Quick was appointed chief constable of Surrey Police in November 2004 after joining as deputy chief constable a year earlier.

Before joining Surrey Police, he was commander for territorial policing in London, and began his career with the Met in 1978.