A top police officer found dead just two weeks after he retired had been “missing the job”, according to his crestfallen neighbours.
Former Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole, 55, was discovered dead at his home in Kibworth Harcourt, Leics, on Wednesday morning.
His cause of death has not been confirmed, but it is believed he took his own life as the case was referred to the coroner.
The married dad-of-two, who had been the UK's longest serving police chief, retired from the force just 12 days before his body was found, sparking hundreds of tributes from friends and former colleagues.
Villagers near his home claimed he had been desperately missing his former role.
One, who asked not to be named, said: “It is dreadfully sad as he was a pillar of the community and did so much for policing across the county.
"Although I didn't know him too closely, I know a couple who did and they said that although he was looking forward to retirement he was definitely missing the job.
"He had dedicated most of his life to his career so it’s understandable. He loved it despite the stress that came with it and it was a big part of who he was.
"It's just an awful loss and completely out of the blue."
Mr Cole took charge of Leicestershire Police 12 years ago in 2010 after first becoming an officer in 1988.
Another neighbour added: “We don't know exactly what's gone on but it was a deep shock to everyone around here because he was well-known and well-liked.
"He had a great sense of humour and did so much for the community here. He is going to be greatly missed - as a person and a copper."
Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon, who replaced Mr Cole, said: "It is hard to put into words how devastating this news is for the entire force who loved and respected Simon.
"Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time and we will support them as much as we can.
"We want to respect their privacy and the Coroner's process and would ask that the public and media do so too.
"We are offering support to our staff and those who worked closely with Simon.
"I know Simon had a great impact on many of the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and his death will be a great loss to many of the people he worked with.
"All we can do is pull together and mourn the loss of a greatly respected man."
The ex-police chief constable was a keen rugby fan, regularly attending Leicester Tigers matches.
Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland added: "I am shocked and extremely saddened to hear this tragic news.
"Simon Cole was the epitome of a great Chief Constable whose commitment to public service has been unswerving.
"We live in a safer place thanks to his leadership.”
Upon his retirement, Mr Cole his time serving in the force "as a great honour."
He said: "It has been a great honour to lead Leicestershire Police since 2010 and serve the communities in which I grew up.
"Every day for more than a decade their [his officers'] unstoppable acts of bravery, compassion and determination have motivated me.
"They have reminded me daily why I became a police officer and the positive difference it makes.
"In my time as Chief Constable I have seen and experienced the full breadth of what policing is expected to do, and the unexpected too.”
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