Michael Todd had been with the force since 2002
Politicians and leading police personnel have rushed to express their condolences over his death. Here are some of their statements.
JACQUI SMITH, HOME SECRETARY
I have been saddened to learn that Greater Manchester Police colleagues believe Ch Con Michael Todd has died.
Chief Con Todd has had a long and distinguished career in various forces and has contributed greatly to the fight against crime and terrorism.
My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues
DAVID DAVIS, SHADOW HOME SECRETARY
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Chief Constable Mike Todd.
He made an important contribution to policing in Greater Manchester and the other forces he served with. He also gave distinguished service at a national level, in particular in the fight against terrorism, where he always gave frank and thoughtful advice.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family and colleagues.
CHRIS HUHNE, LIBERAL DEMOCRATS HOME AFFAIRS SPOKESPERSON
Michael Todd was a distinguished chief constable with a lifetime of achievement in British policing behind him, who would have continued to make a great contribution to the fight against crime and terrorism.
His death is a great loss to policing in this country, and I offer all my sympathy to his family and friends.
SIR IAN BLAIR, METROPOLITAN POLICE COMMISSIONER
I am shocked and saddened to hear reports of the death of Michael Todd. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues in the Greater Manchester force at this time.
Michael held a variety of posts and ranks in the MPS. He made a significant contribution to policing.
In London, this culminated in him being assistant commissioner for territorial policing and leading the important fight against street crime.
He was held in high esteem and I and colleagues who knew him are truly shocked by this terrible news.
KEN JONES, ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF CONSTABLES (ACPO)
We now have to address the awful prospect that Mike Todd has lost his life.
Mike has made an enormous contribution to policing in Manchester and nationally throughout his distinguished career.
The news of his apparent death is a tragedy and he will be greatly missed by chief officer colleagues and all who worked with him during his career.
As a personal friend and valued supporter, I will miss him greatly.
Acpo headquarters has received already a huge volume of calls from colleagues across the policing family and in government who were shocked at the news and join us in conveying their support for his family.
DAVE WHATTON, DEPUTY CHIEF CONSTABLE OF GREATER MANCHESTER
What I can say is that I and all the officers of Greater Manchester Police and all the members of Greater Manchester Police Authority are absolutely shocked by what's happened today and what's taken place in the last 16 hours.
JAN BERRY, CHAIRMAN POLICE FEDERATION ENGLAND AND WALES
This is an extremely sad day for policing and my thoughts are with Mike Todd's family, friends and colleagues as they come to terms with this tragic news.
Mike was a very popular police officer who, despite his rank, never forgot the dangers and pressures those on the frontline face. He was, and will be always be remembered as, a coppers' copper.
DAVID BLUNKETT, FORMER HOME SECRETARY
Michael Todd was a decent and committed policeman who did a first-class job in difficult circumstances, including in dealing with counter-terrorism and the tragic death of Detective Constable Oakes.
His death is a real tragedy and I personally feel very sad to hear of his loss. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
SIR GERALD KAUFMAN, MP FOR GREATER MANCHESTER GORTON
I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Michael Todd's sudden death.
He was in the prime of his life and he was a very good chief constable of Greater Manchester.
He will be very much missed.
Senior police officers and Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom have paid tribute to Michael J. Todd, the chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police, who was found dead yesterday. He was found dead in North Wales yesterday. It has been reported that he was found at the bottom of a cliff with letters found nearby, either on his body or in his car, which were addressed to family and friends, although this has not been confirmed.

The discovery came after an extensive search by mountain rescue teams, following Todd's unexpected absence on a. According to Greater Manchester Police, the chief constable had been on a walking trip, which was not uncommon, however when he failed to return the alarm was raised.

===David Blunkett===

David Blunkett, the former UK Home secretary commented:



===Dave Whatton===

Dave Whatton, the deputy chief constable for GMP commented: 



===Chris Huhne===

Chris Huhne, who is the Home Affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat party commented: 



===Jacqui Smith===

Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary commented:



===David Davis===

David Davis, the shadow home secretary from the Conservative party commented: 



===Sir Ian Blair===

The Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir Ian Blair commented:



===Jan Berry===

Jan Berry, who chairs the police federation of England and Wales commented:



===Sir Gerald Kaufman===
The MP for  Manchester Gorton, Sir Gerald Kaufman commented:



===Ken Jones===
Ken Jones, from the association of police chief constables commented: