Commander Mark Simmons, head of the Metropolitan Police's violent crime directorate, stressed it was still safe for women to go out in London.

BBC: Cab driver guilty of sex attacks

Mark Simmons and Stuart Osborne, currently temporary commanders with the Met, and Ch Supt Ian Quinton of Norfolk Constabulary were named the new commanders on Wednesday.

BBC: Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Ali Dizaei

Commander Mark Simmons, who is responsible for sex attack investigations at the Met, said there was "no explanation" for why Reid was not picked up sooner and vowed to learn lessons from the case.

BBC: Serial sex offender found guilty

After Reid's conviction in June 2009, Commander Mark Simmons, who was responsible for sex attack investigations at Scotland Yard, said there was "no explanation" as to why Reid was not picked up sooner and vowed to learn lessons from the case.

BBC: Met officers face action over rape inquiry failures