An officer who grew up in Shropshire is to take on one of the top roles with London’s Metropolitan Police – by royal appointment.

Craig Mackey, who used to live in Albrighton, is the current chief constable of Cumbria Police and was in charge during taxi driver Derrick Bird’s shooting rampage last year in which 12 people were killed.

He has now been appointed by the Queen as the new deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Home Secretary Theresa May made her recommendation to the Palace after conducting the final interview alongside London Mayor Boris Johnson and Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe.

Mr Mackey has been at the forefront of defending the use of stop and search powers around the country.

A former pupil of Idsall School in Shifnal, he has a 27-year career in the police, serving across the country. He has been chief constable in Cumbria since 2007.

Mr Mackey replaces Tim Godwin, who retired last month after 30 years of service.

The Home Secretary said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Mackey as the new deputy commissioner.

“It has been a period of big change for the Metropolitan Police, but this decision completes a very strong team at the head of the country’s biggest force.”

As well as the final panel the 49-year-old, who is married with one daughter, was also interviewed by a Home Office panel and the metropolitan police authority.

Mr Johnson said: “Craig Mackey has a strong track record in public order and will bring a new dynamism to the role of deputy commissioner.

“We have an exciting year ahead, with major operations tackling gangs and serious youth violence, plus the challenge of policing the Olympic Games. I’m sure Craig Mackey will prove to be a real asset in driving the Met from strength to strength in 2012.”

Mr Mackey joined the police service in 1984. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year’s Honours of 2009.