Shock at death of British police chief

TRIBUTES were paid to Greater Manchester Police chief constable Michael Todd last night after his body was found in Snowdonia in Wales.

Todd, 50, went missing while walking off-duty in the Welsh mountains.

His body was found at the bottom of a cliff near Bwlch Glas.

Suicide is one line of inquiry being investigated, according to sources and there are reports that letters addressed to his family have been found.

Todd’s death was confirmed yesterday in a statement from Greater Manchester Police.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Whatton said: “Yesterday our chief constable Michael Todd was off-duty walking in Snowdonia.

“Last night we became concerned for his welfare and as a result searches started to find him... and unfortunately this afternoon a body has been found.

He said: “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.” Todd leaves a wife and three children.

Reports suggest Todd’s behaviour over the last few days had caused concern among those close to him.

Colleagues and politicians paid tribute tonight to his “long and distinguished career”. He had been tipped as a future commissioner of police, Britain’s highest policing position.