Northern Ireland's new police chief, Hugh Orde, has issued a scathing assessment of the state of his new force.

As he took over as the head of the re-named Northern Ireland Police, Orde claimed the service lacks a proper system for investigating murders.

He warned that the force's performance indicators are "in free-fall".

The former Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner also promised tough action against those pursuing violence in Northern Ireland.

He pledged to crack down on the paramilitary chiefs behind a renewed wave of sectarian killings.

"I intend to target those who are doing the most damage to the communities in Northern Ireland. Those are the major players," he said.

"I believe in disruption. If I can't arrest someone for murder but I can arrest them for some other substantial offence I'll do it. It's how you take these people out."

Orde, who succeeds Sir Ronnie Flanagan, said that if the force was to have an impact then it had to change the methods used to bring about convictions.

"We need to review the way we investigate murder and we are going to do that," he said.

"We need to make sure the investigating officer has immediate access to all available intelligence and resources to make any necessary arrests quickly."

"The first 48 to 72 hours is absolutely vital simply because that's when you get your evidence."

He warned that his Special Branch, which is still reeling from the break-in at the high security Castlereagh police station and is set to be criticised in a report into the loyalist murder of lawyer Pat Finucane, will undergo substantial changes.

There will also be efforts to boost morale and recruitment.

But Orde also signalled he had no intention of becoming involved in Ulster's politics.

"I won't be the fall guy for the political big picture. My focus is on policing. If I take my eye off the ball, I won't be delivering what the government or anyone else wants," he said.