Chief constable of Greater Manchester police found dead
Michael Todd has been found dead
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Tuesday, 11, Mar 2008 06:20
The chief constable of Greater Manchester police has been found dead.
Michael Todd went missing whilst out walking in Snowdonia, north Wales, on Monday night.
Rescue teams found his body on the Bwlch Glas Mountain this afternoon.
Deputy chief constable Dave Watson confirmed the death of his colleague to reporters outside the Manchester police headquarters.
"Yesterday, Michael Todd, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police was off duty and walking in Snowdonia," he said.
"Last night we became concerned for his welfare and as a result searches started to find him. These searches have continued today and unfortunately this afternoon a body has been found.
"I believe that it is Michael but we have not been able to formally identify him at this time.
"As you can imagine all of his friends and colleagues are extremely upset. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, and I would ask that they be left in peace to come to terms with this tragic shock."
Mr Todd was appointed chief constable to England's second largest police force, Greater Manchester, in 2002 and had been touted as a possible replacement for Sir Ian Blair as head of the Metropolitan police.
He had been a police officer for over 30 years, since joining Essex police force in 1976.
Home secretary Jacqui Smith expressed her grief at the news today: "I have been saddened to learn that Greater Manchester police colleagues believe that chief constable Michael Todd has died.
"Chief constable Todd has had a long and distinguished career in various forces and has contributed has contributed greatly to the fight against crime and terrorism," she said.
"My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."
Reports suggest that suicide is one line of enquiry that is to be considered in the investigation into his death.