George Hamilton awarded Knighthood

The retiring PSNI Chief Constable has been honoured by the Queen.

George Hamilton has been awarded a knighthood in the Birthday Honours list.

Mr Hamilton, who also served in Strathclyde Police in his 34-year career, is the latest chief constable to be made a knight.

Sir Matt Baggott, Sir Hugh Orde and Sir Ronnie Flanagan have all been similarly honoured in the last two decades.

Mr Hamilton steps down as Northern Ireland's police chief later this month and said he is pleased his work is being recognised:

"I am delighted to be receiving this award,'' he said.

"It has been an honour and the highlight of my career to have served as Chief Constable of the PSNI.

"Any success I have achieved has only been possible because of the sacrifice and support of my family and the women and men of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.''

Meanwhile PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton has been awarded an OBE for services to policing and the community in Northern Ireland.

Mr Hamilton has 25 years of service and currently heads up district policing in Northern Ireland.

Chief Superintendent Emma Bond has been awarded an MBE.

A former area commander for West Belfast and district commander for Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ms Bond is currently the deputy head of the PSNI's Innovation and Standards Department.

She is also the PSNI's service lead for hate crime issues and played a key role in establishing the Service's Women in Policing Association - an organisation she currently chairs.

Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts and retired Detective Constable Ronnie Galwey will also receive the Queen's Police Medal.