The new police inspector for south-east Oxford says opening a police base in Blackbird Leys is one of his priorities for the area.

Insp Andy Storey has taken charge in the Blackbird Leys, Greater Leys, Rose Hill, Littlemore and Iffley neighbourhoods.

His predecessor Insp Phil Standish - who had been in the role for more than two years - has moved to the Oxfordshire operations department of the force.

Insp Storey, who has served with Thames Valley Police since 1992, said: "I am very excited about being offered the opportunity to manage these neighbourhoods in Oxford.

"A lot of good work has already been done by the neighbourhood teams and I am looking forward to building relationships with partners and the community over the coming months to keep crime down in the area."

He added: "Officers now have a base at Sainsbury's in Heyford Hill and work is ongoing for the opening of an office in the Oval, Rose Hill.

"We are also in the process of negotiating a base at Blackbird Leys Community Centre."

He added: "I am pleased to say both teams are fully staffed with a sergeant, neighbourhood specialist officers and police community support officers, so residents should notice an increased policing presence in their neighbourhoods.

"We are working towards providing police offices and bases for the teams within their neighbourhoods, which will provide an increased police presence and make the teams more accessible to the community."

The work of Insp Standish was praised by a number of groups in the area, including the Rose Hill Residents and Tenants' Association and the city council's south east area committee, which presented him with an inscribed tankard.

Ward councillor Ed Turner said: "There has been a big drop in crime in Rose Hill and people say they feel a lot safer.

"Insp Standish worked really hard, listening to everyone's concerns, putting more officers on the streets and giving the police their local bases.

"It is important the police maintain their momentum and continue to be a visible presence in the area."