Sussex police chief quits

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Blunkett calls for dismissal of chief constable

Paul Whitehouse, the Chief Constable of Sussex police, has tendered his resignation following fierce criticism from the Home Secretary.

David Blunkett had called for Mr Whitehouse to step down over a 1998 armed raid on a flat in St Leonards, East Sussex, in which James Ashley was shot, despite being unarmed, naked and in bed.

The police authority had initially issued a statement following Mr Blunkett's comments, saying that the public supported their attempts to crackdown on crime.

But this morning another statement was released, it said: "Paul Whitehouse, Chief Constable of Sussex, has submitted his resignation and will be leaving the force on September 25, 2001.

"Arrangements will be put in hand to appoint his successor.

"The police authority will continue to work with and support the force in providing policing in Sussex."

Five officers who were charged in connection with the death of Mr Ashley were cleared of any criminal offence, Mr Whitehouse promoted two of the men last week.