The policeman leading the inquiry into the killing of detective Stephen Oake in Manchester started his career as a beat bobby in Southend, it was revealed today.

Mike Todd, now Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police - the second largest force in the country - is in charge of the investigation into events which led to the Special Branch officer being stabbed to death during a raid on three terror suspects.

Mr Todd served much of his career in south Essex after setting up home in Billericay.

He was a "fast-track" entrant to the Essex force and rapidly won promotion, becoming the youngest superintendent in the history of the force when he moved to Thurrock division, to be stationed at Grays in 1992, aged 29.

He later became assistant chief constable for Nottinghamshire police, and moved to Manchester just a few months ago after a stint as assistant commissioner at Scotland Yard.

Published Thursday, January 16, 2003