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Police chief death may be suicide Police chief death may be suicide
(about 5 hours later)
The inquiry into the death of Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Michael Todd will look into the possibility he committed suicide.The inquiry into the death of Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Michael Todd will look into the possibility he committed suicide.
The father-of-three was found dead at the foot of a cliff near Bwlch Glas on Tuesday afternoon. The 50-year-old father-of-three was found dead near the summit of Mount Snowdon, north Wales, on Tuesday afternoon, his body covered in snow.
Sources have revealed notes addressed to Mr Todd's family were found close to where his body was discovered on Snowdon in north Wales. He is believed to have killed himself and sources said letters addressed to his family have been found.
A post-mortem examination is to take place at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital later. A post-mortem examination is taking place at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital.
Tributes have continued to be paid to Mr Todd who had been tipped as a future Metropolitan Police Commissioner. His body has been formally identified by a colleague from Greater Manchester Police.
Mountain walk
Mr Todd had been off duty on Monday and had spent the day walking in the Welsh mountains.
The search for him began in the early hours of Tuesday, but it was later in the day that hill walkers reported seeing a body near the summit of Snowdon.
His body was found on part of the mountain called Bwlch Glas at about 1500 GMT.
His body was carried down from the mountain despite poor weather conditions.
Tributes have continued to be paid to Mr Todd, who had been tipped as a future Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Dave Whatton, said staff in the force were "absolutely shocked" by the death.Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Dave Whatton, said staff in the force were "absolutely shocked" by the death.
The President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), Ken Jones, said: "Mike has made an enormous contribution to policing in Manchester and nationally throughout his distinguished career.The President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), Ken Jones, said: "Mike has made an enormous contribution to policing in Manchester and nationally throughout his distinguished career.
"The news of his death is a tragedy and he will be greatly missed by chief officer colleagues and all who worked with him during his career."The news of his death is a tragedy and he will be greatly missed by chief officer colleagues and all who worked with him during his career.
"As a personal friend and valued supporter, I will miss him greatly.""As a personal friend and valued supporter, I will miss him greatly."
'Decent and committed''Decent and committed'
Bernard Hogan-Howe, Chief Constable of Merseyside and Chair of North West Regional Association of Chief Police Officers, also paid tribute to Mr Todd.Bernard Hogan-Howe, Chief Constable of Merseyside and Chair of North West Regional Association of Chief Police Officers, also paid tribute to Mr Todd.
"This is a terrible shock. It's a great tragedy for Michael's family and all the people who work with him," he said."This is a terrible shock. It's a great tragedy for Michael's family and all the people who work with him," he said.
"Michael was a great character, who was full of life and enthusiasm.""Michael was a great character, who was full of life and enthusiasm."
Former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, described Mr Todd as a "decent and committed policeman who did a first-class job in difficult circumstances".Former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, described Mr Todd as a "decent and committed policeman who did a first-class job in difficult circumstances".
"His death is a real tragedy and I personally feel very sad to hear of his loss," Mr Blunkett added. "His death is a real tragedy and I personally feel very sad to hear of his loss."
MICHAEL TODD Born in 1957 1976 Trains with Essex Police, moves to Met 1995: Assistant Chief Constable, Notts 1998 Dep Assistant Commissioner, Met 2000: Assistant Commissioner, Met 2001: Queen's Police Medal2002 Chief Constable, Manchester 2006: Vice chairman, Acpo Profile of Michael ToddTributes to chief constableMICHAEL TODD Born in 1957 1976 Trains with Essex Police, moves to Met 1995: Assistant Chief Constable, Notts 1998 Dep Assistant Commissioner, Met 2000: Assistant Commissioner, Met 2001: Queen's Police Medal2002 Chief Constable, Manchester 2006: Vice chairman, Acpo Profile of Michael ToddTributes to chief constable
Mr Todd was appointed chief constable in Greater Manchester, England's third largest force, in October 2002, following the retirement of Sir David Wilmot.Mr Todd was appointed chief constable in Greater Manchester, England's third largest force, in October 2002, following the retirement of Sir David Wilmot.
He had been a police officer for more than 30 years, having joined Essex Police in 1976.He had been a police officer for more than 30 years, having joined Essex Police in 1976.
The search for him began in the early hours of Tuesday, but it was later in the day that hill walkers reported seeing a body near the summit of Snowdon.
Rescuers, who had been searching nine miles (15 km) away, were redirected to Bwlch Glas.
Mr Todd's body was carried down from the mountain despite poor weather conditions.
Carried on stretcher
Ian Henderson, from Llanberis Mountain Rescue, said: "His body was brought down and transferred by ambulance to Bangor Hospital.
"Winds on the mountain were blowing at 80 knots and were blowing directly in the faces of the guys, who also faced intermittent snow showers.
"The intention was to deal with the body at the scene and airlift it, but because the weather conditions deteriorated we had to commit many people on foot to carry it down on a stretcher."
An inquest into Mr Todd's death is to be opened and adjourned at Anglesey Council chamber on Thursday afternoon.An inquest into Mr Todd's death is to be opened and adjourned at Anglesey Council chamber on Thursday afternoon.
Although the 50-year-old has not yet been formally identified, Dewi Pritchard-Jones, coroner for North West Wales, said it was a mere formality.
"Identification has more or less taken place because Mr Todd was known by lots of people who had dealings with him, such as North Wales Police who said it was him," he said.
"Also, he had his warrant card on him when he was found."
Books of condolence in memory of Mr Todd have been opened at Manchester Cathedral, Trafford Town Hall and Old Trafford Library.Books of condolence in memory of Mr Todd have been opened at Manchester Cathedral, Trafford Town Hall and Old Trafford Library.
People can also sign an online book of condolence on the Greater Manchester Police website.