Cressida Dick has been named as the new head of Scotland Yard, becoming the first woman to hold the most senior post in British policing.

The 56-year-old will succeed Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe as Metropolitan police commissioner.

Ms Dick will return to the force after leaving for the Foreign Office two years ago.

She came under intense scrutiny in 2005 when she was in charge of the operation leading to the fatal shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, who was wrongly identified as a potential suicide bomber.

A jury cleared Ms Dick of any blame in his death.

The new commissioner was widely seen as the leading candidate for the job after Sir Bernard's retirement was announced last year.

Three other senior figures were also contenders – Mark Rowley, assistant commissioner at the Met; Sara Thornton, chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council; and Stephen Kavanagh, chief constable of Essex Police.

Ms Dick’s appointment means all three top policing jobs in the UK are now held by women – the commissioner, head of the NPCC and National Crime Agency chief Lynne Owens.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan hailed it as an “historic day for London”.

He said: “Cressida Dick will be the first female commissioner of the Met in its 187-year history, and the most powerful police officer in the land.

“She has already had a long and distinguished career and her experience and ability has shone throughout this process.

“On behalf of all Londoners, I warmly welcome Cressida to the role and I very much look forward to working with her to keep our capital safe and protected.”

Home secretary Amber Rudd said: “Cressida Dick is an exceptional leader and has a clear vision for the future of the Metropolitan police and an understanding of the diverse range of communities it serves.

“She now takes on one of the most demanding, high-profile and important jobs in UK policing, against the backdrop of a heightened terror alert and evolving threats from fraud and cyber-crime.

“The challenges ahead include protecting the most vulnerable, including victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

“Cressida’s skills and insight will ensure the Metropolitan police adapt to the changing patterns of crime in the 21st century and continue to keep communities safe across London and the UK.

“Cressida is absolutely the right choice to lead the Metropolitan police as this government continues its work to reform the police, and I look forward to working with her to make a real difference to policing in the capital.”