Walkabout for PSNI chief Baggott

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Northern Ireland's new chief constable has been on his first public walkabout in Londonderry since beginning the job.

Matt Baggott met senior police officers before going on a tour of the city to meet local people.

He began the job amid increased police activity aimed at disrupting potential dissident republican activity.

He said he appreciated that Operation Descent was an inconvenience but it was necessary because of the current security situation.

"Hopefully this will be short term - we want to make sure that those people who want to bring violence are isolated," he said.

Matt Baggott (centre) was given a tour around Derry

"They don't really have any support in a place like this. The greatest asset we have is the community themselves.

"I understand people's concerns, it's not something we wish to do."

The 50-year-old began his tenure in the job on Tuesday, replacing Sir Hugh Orde.

He takes over at a time of shrinking police budgets and a surge in dissident republican activity.

Operation Descent has seen an increase in vehicle checkpoints and high visibility patrols in parts of Northern Ireland.