Force statement following Chief Constable Scott Chilton's retirement

The Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Scott Chilton, has retired from his role with immediate effect.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has accepted his retirement, having made two mandatory referrals to the IOPC about the Chief Constable.

It comes following an update from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirming that he is under investigation for potential gross misconduct.

The Police and Crime Commissioner will now start the process to recruit a new Chief Constable and in the interim period she will appoint Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya as Acting Chief Constable.

Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “We are here, first and foremost, to deliver exceptional policing for our communities, putting victims first and bringing offenders to justice.

“This will continue to be our focus, to keep people safe and make sure they feel safe across our two counties.”

The force will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.