A transport police detective has won recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List after more than 40 years in policing.

Det Ch Insp David Shipperlee, of the British Transport Police in Camden Town, will be awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for gallantry or distinguished service.

The 62-year-old, who has worked in policing for 44 years, said: “This award was completely unexpected and comes after a lengthy period of service, and I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised in this way. I would like to pay special tribute to my family who have always supported me through many years of hard work.”

The father-of-three first dreamt of becoming an officer at the age of 10 following a visit to a police station’s open day, where he was briefly reported missing because he had forgotten to tell his parents about the trip.

He realised his ambition aged 19 signing up as a police constable with the Metropolitan Police Service in Kentish Town before working his way through the ranks to become detective chief inspector in 1992.

He has led a series of high-profile murder investigations, including an inquiry into the death of a British national in Kenya.

Less than one year after Det Ch Insp Shipperlee, of Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, joined the British Transport Police in 2001, he led an investigation into the horrific Potters Bar rail crash which killed seven people.