THE COUNTY'S chief of police is to step down for 'personal reasons' in May, it has been announced.

Jim Barker-McCardle, who has served as Essex Police chief constable since September 2009, wrote to candidates in the recent police and crime commissioner (PCC) elections to tell them of his plans.

Elected commissioner Nick Alston said yesterday the pair had agreed the chief constable would leave the force on May 3.

Mr Alston said: "As police and crime commissioner, I have decided that we will start the search for the next chief constable of Essex Police with immediate effect.

"I will be doing my utmost to ensure that Essex has the opportunity to recruit a first class chief constable from a range of high calibre candidates.

"Jim has been a fine chief constable, constantly striving to deliver the best possible policing service to all the communities of Essex.

"I am delighted that Jim has agreed to lead Essex Police well into next year, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him."