Simon Cole: Tributes to former chief constable found dead at home

Simon Cole had announced his retirement from the force in January but left the job just days ago

Tributes have been paid to a recently retired chief constable who was found dead at his home.

Former Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole, who stepped down last week, was discovered at an address in Kibworth Harcourt on Wednesday.

The 55-year-old had held the position for 12 years and announced his retirement from the force in January.

Hundreds of tributes have flooded in from police officers, other forces, council leaders, MPs and faith leaders.

People have described Mr Cole as much-loved and respected among the Leicester community

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon described Leicestershire Police as "a force in mourning".

"A tsunami of emotion has gone across the force," he said.

"Some people, who knew Simon really well, they are clearly suffering."

Mr Nixon, who worked as Mr Cole's deputy for four years, said his death was a "tragic loss".

"I've lost a huge colleague, friend, mentor and the full extent of that I'm sure will hit me at some point," he said.

Mr Nixon said his predecessor dedicated his life to public service and he had left behind a legacy of achievements.

"His influence at a local level reached across all the communities, he worked with local universities, local trusts, he was involved with education," he said.

"Also, he has led a number of national portfolios - everything from counter-terrorism to digital contact platforms, uniform, local policing."

Flowers have been left outside Leicestershire Police headquarters

Friend and editor of Pukaar News, Romail Gulzar, told BBC Radio Leicester he still had "no words" to describe the loss.

"A few weeks back we were just having a dinner together, celebrating his retirement. I cannot believe he is gone," he said.

"This man has given me so much over the years. He was so full of love and fun. People really loved him... and I believe he has left behind a great, great legacy."

He said he had received an email from Mr Cole on Tuesday evening.

"He said he was looking forward to coming and seeing me in the morning," he said. "He was looking forward to coming to our event with his wife.

"But that morning never happened."

'Unique style'

Ian McFadden, a special sergeant with Leicestershire Police, said Mr Cole would often be seen patrolling with other officers.

"He wasn't afraid to put a stab vest on and come out on patrol," he said.

"He just loved interacting with people. You would struggle to find a chief constable that would actually go out and walk the beat alongside other officers, get his hands dirty."

Spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations, Suleman Nagdi, called Mr Cole "a man of great integrity".

"He was always ready to listen to the concerns of the community and actively strived to deliver people's expectations in a way that was very unique to him and his unique style of leadership and commitment to policing our wonderful city," he added.

Mr Cole served as Leicestershire Police's chief constable for 12 years

Mr Cole grew up in Leicestershire and had been in policing for 30 years, also serving with West Midlands and Hampshire.

As well as a number of police support and advisory roles, he had also been vice-president of Leicestershire Guides and Scouts.

He had tweeted his farewell to his followers on Twitter last week.

Earlier this month, he spoke to BBC Radio Leicester about his retirement and said: "I think it's time to pause and do something else."

He talked of his achievements within the force and said he chose to work as a police officer to help people.

"I wanted to do a job that I thought had a value to it," he said.

"When I joined the police when I was about 21, I didn't at that point want a job that was in an office. I wanted a job that was out and about and real, and 24/7.

"So I joined really to help people. I'm sorry if that sounds a bit cheesy."

Leicestershire Police said a public book of condolence was expected to be available in the coming days via the force website.

Mr Cole's death has been referred to the coroner, a force spokesman added.