Wiltshire chief constable Patrick Geenty to retire

Patrick Geenty was appointed acting chief constable in May 2012 before securing a substantive position in the role in January 2013

The Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police has announced that he will retire in May after three years in the role.

Pat Geenty joined Wiltshire Police in July 2009 and was appointed Chief Constable in May 2012.

Mr Geenty is currently being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) over the way he handled complaints relating to a sexual abuse inquiry.

The probe, which began in September, focuses on an investigation in 2008-09.

Of his decision to retire Mr Geenty said: "Policing has been a fundamental part of my life for the past 33 years so this has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make.

"However, after considerable soul-searching, I feel confident that this is the right thing for me to do."

Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said he was "personally disappointed" to be losing "an exceptional officer and leader".

"I fully understand and respect his decision to retire," he said.

The IPCC said its investigation was ongoing and its enquires continue.