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Top officer sent 'worrying texts' | Top officer sent 'worrying texts' |
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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". | |
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. |