Swindon Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett to retire

Mr Howlett paid tribute to officers based in Swindon

The man in charge of policing in Swindon is to retire, Wiltshire Police have said.

Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett, who joined the force in 1981, spent the majority of his career in CID and with the regional crime squad.

Paying tribute, Assistant Chief Constable Patrick Geenty described Mr Howlett as a credit to the force.

"Paul's been involved in some extremely difficult and high-profile cases both regionally and nationally," he said.

Announcing his retirement Mr Howlett said the past three years as commander had been a "special" time in his career.

"On a daily basis I am continually impressed by the drive, determination and energy of the staff who are based at Gablecross and elsewhere in Swindon," he added.