HAMPSHIRE Constabulary’s former deputy chief constable has been found dead in his home nearly two weeks after retiring.

Simon Cole, 55, who served in policing for more than 30 years, died suddenly at his home address in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, on Wednesday.

He joined the county’s force in 2003 as assistant chief constable where he led on delivering neighbourhood policing.

Mr Cole then became deputy chief constable in 2008 before returning to Leicestershire as chief constable in June 2010.

His death has been referred to the coroner, Leicestershire Police said. No further details have been released.

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

Hampshire Chronicle: Simon Cole, former deputy chief constable of Hampshire police, has died aged 55Simon Cole, former deputy chief constable of Hampshire police, has died aged 55

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.”

In 2014, Mr Cole was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year Honours and was also made an honorary doctor of arts by De Montfort University.

Mr Cole retired from the force earlier this month, with his last day as chief on March 18.

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

Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, added: “Simon was a highly respected and valued officer. He has been a long-standing and prominent member of chief constable’s council.

“In fact, as I described him at his last meeting, ‘the father of the house’.

“Over many decades, his leadership and impact have been felt by the people of Leicestershire and by all in policing.

“We will miss him.”