THE nation’s first joint Police and Fire Commissioner has been announced in Essex.

Roger Hirst, who has served as the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner since 2016, was announced in the role today.

The move comes five months after the Essex Fire Authority voted to axe itself from governing and supervising the county’s fire service.

The new role will see the police and fire service working closer together.

In the past, he said he is not in favour of a joint chief officer because it would "muddy the waters" on the operational side.

And he revealed although the move would free up money for frontline services he would not be looking to limit the fire service cuts before 2020.

Mr Hirst said he is keen to move to the Kelvedon Park headquarters as soon as possible and it is more likely a new police headquarters would be based there if the deal goes ahead.

He insisted operational roles will not be compromised.

The operational side, such as fighting fires and catching criminals, will remain separate.

Roger Hirst said at the meeting: "The people of Essex deserve to have the best possible emergency services.

"By bringing together the governance of Esssex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service  we can support closer working and make investment decisions that will bring even bigger benefits in the future."