A TOP cop has backed embattled Met Police commissioner Sir Ian Blair who continues to resist pressure to resign.

Sir Ian has faced calls to step down after the Metropolitan Police was found guilty two weeks ago of breaching health and safety legislation, during a botched anti-terrorism operation that led to the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

But Chief Superintendent Richard Walton, borough commander for Harrow, defended Sir Ian, insisting he should be judged on his long term record.

He said: "I don't think he should resign. I think he should be measured on his performance and we are proud of what we have done in the last two years.

"We have a commissioner who has led a radical programme of change which transformed policing in London. I think there needs to be some recognition of his achievements, the best example of which is the safer neighbourhood team."

Mr de Menezes, a Brazilian electrician, was killed by police marksmen two years ago in Stockwell underground station after being mistaken for a terrorist.

Sir Ian has been under pressure to resign since the end of the trial at the Old Bailey, and the release of a damning report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission criticising his role in the operation.