A new police chief has been hailed Britain's sexiest copper after local women declared their love for him on Facebook.

Chief Superintendent Jim Colwell has been causing a flurry of female excitement since being promoted to oversee policing in Devon and Cornwall.

The force shared details of the former detective's appointment on Facebook and had fans begging to be arrested after the post received more than 1,200 likes and 200 comments.

Chief Superintendent Jim Colwell has been causing a flurry of female excitement since being promoted to oversee policing in Devon and Cornwall

It described how Jim had started as a 'bobby on the beat' in Plymouth in 2001 and before becoming a member of the force’s senior leaders.

Many women joked there could be a crime wave after seeing his good looks.

Female fan Melanie Best commented: 'Flipping 'eck I could well be arrested for handling his swollen goods!'

Many wrote saucy lines that wouldn't be out of place in a Carry On film, with Paula Jones writing: 'Officer, I've been very naughty.'

While Sam Smith felt some urgency and wrote: 'OMG I need to break the law - like right now.'

Zoe Montgomery added: 'All of a sudden, I'm feeling very naughty.'

Many women joked there could be a crime wave after seeing his good looks on the Facebook post

Lisa Wood continued the theme, writing: 'Appears there might be a spike in criminal women activity in the area'.

Similarly Donna Paterson posted: 'I'm going to go on a crime spree if he puts me under lock and key!'

Some even came up with elaborate ploys to encounter the senior officer, such as Rachel Talbot who wrote to her friend Louise Brockley: 'OK here's the plan. I'm going pretend to kidnap you and drive you all the way down here and I won't stop driving until Mr Cutie comes and arrested me.'

Anne Holder joked: 'I've just committed a heinous crime, I need to be arrested and put in a cell for a night with him.'

And Emma Webb complimented him saying: 'I will sleep easier knowing you're around.'

However some men were quick to point out that if this was the other way round, with an attractive woman at the centre, there would be outrage.

Geoffrey Dawson posted: 'Double standards ladies, if there was one single comment from a man directed at a female Chief Supt who had a photo published in the same way... you would all be distraught with accusations of sexism etc, etc. Why do you thinks it's OK for you to do it?'

Women were keen to get up close with the police chief and some joked they had committed a crime to try and meet him

Despite the torrent of lascivious comments, some also praised the officer's professionalism and all-round good-guy credentials.

Tania Trump wrote: 'I have been at a human trafficking and slavery conference led by Jim and he is very humble, very professional and very approachable....! Excellent appointment, good luck Sir!'

Anya Gilroy wrote: 'Hilarious comments. Sure he will be flattered if not a bit embarrassed.

'Luckily he is one of the good guys, nice inside and out, and will no doubt lead from the front. Good luck Jim. Coming to station near you soon!?!'