03/11/2008 --
One of Britain's most senior police officers, Greater Manchester chief constable Michael Todd, has been found dead.
He went missing on Monday while walking in Snowdonia.
A search was launched and a body was found this afternoon.
His car was found in Llanberis, North Wales.
Deputy chief constable David Whatton said: "Last night we became concerned for his welfare and as a result searches started to find him.
"Unfortunately, this afternoon a body has been found.
"I believe 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 thought are with his family, and I would ask that they be left in peace to come to terms with this tragic shock."
An inquest is to be held.
Sources said suicide was one line of inquiry but police refused to comment on a report that notes to Mr Todd's family were found on his body.
It is understood that Mr Todd faced personal problems.
His body was found at the bottom of a cliff on Snowdon. It was later recovered and taken to hospital in Bangor.
Ian Henderson, secretary of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said the body was discovered high up, near Bwlch Glas.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "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 greatly to the fight against crime and terrorism.
"My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."
Mr Todd, 50, lived in a flat in Manchester city centre but his family home was in Nottinghamshire, according to a police spokesman.
He was married with three children, a daughter and twin sons.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said: "He was held in high esteem and I and colleagues who knew him are truly shocked by this terrible news."
Sky's crime correspondent Martin Brunt said Mr Todd was tipped as a possible future Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in London.
"Some chief constables keep a low profile, but Mike Todd was one of those who enjoyed joining with media and using the media to get his message across," said Brunt.
Three years ago Mr Todd was filmed being hit by a 50,000 volt Taser gun in a bid to convince the public they were safe.
He said: "It hurt like hell! I felt the full surge of the shock from my fingertips to my toes."
Brunt added: "Even after he'd left the Met police and he was in Manchester he would always come over when he saw me and have a chat. There aren't many police chiefs like that."
