A policeman known as "Mr Merton" was given a fitting send off last week after a 35 year career in the Metropolitan Police.

Pete Dobson officially retired last week as superintendent and deputy borough commander of Merton police where he has served for the last 12 years.

On Friday, March 8, officers formed a guard of honour outside Wimbledon police station to pay their respects to a man described as a "one off" by Merton’s borough commander.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Williams said: "He is respected by politicians, police officers, public and partners but above all else he is a true gentleman.

"Thank you to everyone who came along to see him off yesterday.

"We formed a guard of honour for Pete outside Wimbledon Police Station and clapped him in as he came back to the station following his last ever patrol.

"I know that I speak for everyone when I say we will all miss him as a colleague but we are comforted by knowing that we will still get to see him as a friend."

The new deputy borough commander has been named as Superintendent Dave Palmer, who has served as a senior policemen in three other boroughs including Merton.