Police chief steps down over cash inquiry

An outspoken chief constable has retired after it emerged that he was being investigated over financial irregularities. Terry Grange, 58, stood down as the head of Dyfed-Powys Police with immediate effect. He had held the post since March 2000.

A statement from the force's governing police authority said yesterday: "Mr Grange had indicated that he had allowed his private life to interfere with his professional role as chief constable. This has led the authority to consider the chief constable's position and it was considered to be appropriate to accept his retirement."

The announcement came as the Independent Police Complaints Commission confirmed it was investigating alleged financial irregularities and misuse use of the force's computers.

Last year, Mr Grange was criticised by children's charities after he argued that men who had sex with girls of 13 or over should not be classed as paedophiles. He also reportedly said all drug barons should be "put up against the wall and shot".

Lembit Opik, the Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, said he was "gobsmacked" by Mr Grange's decision to retire, adding: "I wish Terry the best for the future."