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Top officer sent 'worrying texts' Top officer sent 'worrying texts'
(10 minutes later)
Greater Manchester Police chief Michael Todd sent a series of "worrying" text messages before he was found dead in north Wales, the BBC has been told.Greater Manchester Police chief Michael Todd sent a series of "worrying" text messages before he was found dead in north Wales, the BBC has been told.
Mr Todd, 50, was found dead about 100m from the summit of Snowdon on Tuesday afternoon, his body covered in snow.Mr Todd, 50, was found dead about 100m from the summit of Snowdon on Tuesday afternoon, his body covered in snow.
There was no sign of trauma on his body and the North Wales coroner said a post-mortem examination had found "no obvious cause of death". There was no sign of trauma on his body and the north Wales coroner said a post-mortem examination had found "no obvious cause of death".
The inquiry into his death is looking at the possibility of suicide.The inquiry into his death is looking at the possibility of suicide.
Mr Todd had been off-duty on Monday and had spent the day walking in the Welsh mountains.Mr Todd had been off-duty on Monday and had spent the day walking in the Welsh mountains.
The alarm was raised after he sent the messages to various people, which caused concern for their safety and his own, the BBC has learnt.The alarm was raised after he sent the messages to various people, which caused concern for their safety and his own, the BBC has learnt.
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.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, with some of his outer clothes missing.His body was found on part of the mountain called Bwlch Glas at about 1500 GMT, with some of his outer clothes missing.
Sources said Mr Todd was found lying down on a sloping track next to a bottle of spirits.Sources said Mr Todd was found lying down on a sloping track next to a bottle of spirits.
Tests have found no obvious signs of trauma, suggesting he did not jump or fall to his death.Tests have found no obvious signs of trauma, suggesting he did not jump or fall to his death.
Further tests are being carried out to determine if any alcohol or drugs were in his blood.Further tests are being carried out to determine if any alcohol or drugs were in his blood.
Coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones said the post-mortem examination took place on Wednesday morning.
He added: "We're hoping to have the toxicology done by tomorrow morning."
A number of letters addressed to his loved ones have since been found but police said no letters were found at or near the scene of his death.A number of letters addressed to his loved ones have since been found but police said no letters were found at or near the scene of his death.
Michael was a great character, who was full of life and enthusiasm Bernard Hogan-Howe, Merseyside Chief Constable
An inquest into Mr Todd's death is to open on Thursday.An inquest into Mr Todd's death is to open on Thursday.
The father-of-three, who lived in a flat in Manchester city centre, was known to have separated from his wife.The father-of-three, who lived in a flat in Manchester city centre, was known to have separated from his wife.
The BBC has also learnt that Mr Todd suffered from bouts of depression, and had previously threatened suicide.The BBC has also learnt that Mr Todd suffered from bouts of depression, and had previously threatened suicide.
Tributes poured in as news of Mr Todd's death emerged, with politicians, public figures and his fellow chief constables all expressing sorrow.
Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Dave Whatton, said staff in the force were "absolutely shocked" by the death.
Bernard Hogan-Howe, Chief Constable of Merseyside and chair of the North West Regional Association of Chief Police Officers, said it was a "great tragedy".
"Michael was a great character, who was full of life and enthusiasm," he said.
Books of condolence have been opened at Manchester Cathedral and also online, at the Greater Manchester Police website.