Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Michael ToddThe body of a top policeman was found on Snowdon this afternoon.

Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable Michael Todd had been reported missing after going walking yesterday. His body was near Bwlch Glas, about 90m (290ft) below the summit of Snowdon.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Michael Todd 

The force’s 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.

“These searches have continued today and unfortunately this afternoon a body has been found. I believe that it is Michael but we have not been able to formal identify him at this time.

“The weather conditions are extremely bad at the moment and are hindering our inquiries. There will be a coroner’s investigation which means I can’t say any more at this time.

“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.”

Bwlch Glas is the col at the head of the Pyg Track, where it meets the mountain railway track. It lies between the 1,065m (3,494ft) summit of Garnedd Ugain and the 1,085m (3,560ft) summit of Snowdon itself.

Father of three Mr Todd, 50, was appointed head of Greater Manchester Police in 2002. He formerly served with Essex police, the Nottinghamshire force and the Metropolitan Police. In 2006, he was appointed vice-chairman of Acpo, the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Members of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team were involved in the recovery of Mr Todd’s body. The team’s secretary Ian Henderson said: “This is an ongoing operation.

“Currently we have a team on there working on the recovery of the body.

“We anticipate it will be another couple of hours before we get him down from the hill.”

Suicide is not being ruled out. Walkers on the mountain are understood to have found some of Mr Todd’s personal effects, including a note to his family.