The National Police Service (NPS) will bring under the same umbrella the work of existing agencies dealing with terrorism and crime, policing of the roads, and regional organized crime units in England and Wales.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new body will lift the burden on the 43 local police forces in England and Wales, helping them focus solely on day-to-day crimes within their jurisdictions.

The prospect of change was widely welcomed within police circles.