The temporary chief constable of Surrey Police has received an award in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Nick Ephgrave has been awarded a Queen's Police Medal (QPM), given to police officers for gallantry or distinguished service.

T/Ch. Const. Ephgrave was nominated by his colleagues in the Surrey Police force for the award.

He said: "What a privilege and a surprise. I’m genuinely moved that I was nominated by colleagues to receive this medal, let alone lucky enough to then actually get awarded it.

"I really hope all the outstanding colleagues I have worked with throughout my career - right from those first days on the streets of London through to my very different role here at Surrey now - realise that this recognition is a reflection on them and what we have achieved together.

"I feel very privileged to have policed alongside so many exceptional officers and staff who come to work every day to serve the public."

T/Ch. Const. Ephgrave was a physicist in the NHS before he joined the police in 1990. 

He worked in inner city London before becoming a detective and working in the south London murder squad. 

He received a Judge’s Commendation for his role as senior investigating officer in charge of the successful re-investigation of the tragic murder of 10 year old Damilola Taylor.

Moving to Surrey Police as deputy Chief Constable in 2013 he has been acting Chief Constable since January 2016.