AYRSHIRE'S most senior police officer been awarded the King's Police Medal in a special ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse by King Charles.

The honour was presented to Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain - the most senior officer in Ayrshire, on Friday, August 2.

Chief Superintendent Hussain joined Strathclyde Police in 1999. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent in 2019 and appointed as divisional commander for Ayrshire in 2020 where he championed partnership working and engagement.

As a strategic firearms commander, Faroque has overseen and coordinated firearms assets for major events, including COP26 and the Queen’s death.

After a secondment to the National Crime Agency, he was appointed as divisional commander for Ayrshire in 2020, and was recently made Police Scotland's temporary Assistant Chief Constable for partnerships, preventions and community wellbeing.

Mr Hussain, who is 45 and lives in Ayrshire, said: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition from His Majesty the King.

"I am profoundly grateful to have worked with countless selfless colleagues and partners from across Scotland, and beyond, who work tirelessly to keep our fellow citizens safe.

“Most of all, I thank my wife and our family for their unwavering support.”