TRIBUTES have been paid to a Colchester-educated former police chief who been found dead less than two weeks after he retired.

Simon Cole, 55, was discovered at his home address in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, on Wednesday.

He had recently announced his retirement from Leicestershire Police where he worked for more than 30 years and had been the UK’s longest serving Chief Constable.

Leicestershire Police said a file would now be prepared for the coroner while they supported his family as well as former colleagues.

Simon grew up in Leicestershire and was educated in Market Bosworth, Northampton, Oadby and Colchester before joining West Midlands Police on the Graduate Entry Scheme.

He later joined Hampshire Police in 2003 as Assistant Chief Constable where he led on delivering Neighbourhood Policing.

He became Deputy Chief Constable in 2008 before returning to Leicestershire as Chief.

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “It is hard to put into words how devastating this news is for the entire force who loved and respected Simon.

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“Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time and we will support them as much as we can.

“We want to respect their privacy and the Coroner’s process and would ask that the public and media do so too.

“We are offering support to our staff and those who worked closely with Simon.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was “desperately saddened” to hear the news.

She tweeted: “He was passionate about delivering for the people of Leicestershire, the area where he grew up, and dedicated his life to policing.

“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to police officers like Simon and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland added: “I am shocked and extremely saddened to hear this tragic news.

“Simon Cole was the epitome of a great Chief Constable whose commitment to public service has been unswerving.

“We live in a safer place thanks to his leadership.

“It was always clear to me that he was held in high regard and with genuine affection at all levels and I ask that people remember that in the coming days.”