THE police in St Helens have a new boss.

Chief Superintendent Julie Cooke has taken the helm as area commander for the borough after succeeding Rob Carden.

The 46-year-old – who has previously led the region’s anti-social behaviour taskforce and policing for the Aintree Grand National – returns to the town’s College Street headquarters after a brief stint as a detective sergeant 17 years ago.

She will be following priorities set down by Merseyside Police Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy, which include reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and tackling hate crime.