George Hamilton

Mr Hamilton, who was appointed to the top policing post in June 2014, will now leave the role at the end of June 2019.

He told the Northern Ireland Policing Board that he was retiring to spend more time with his wife and four children.

Speaking after yesterday’s Board meeting, chair Anne Connolly said: “It is with regret that the Chief Constable has today informed me of his intention to resign at the end of June 2019. The Board last week offered the Chief Constable a three-year extension to his contract which he has decided not to take up.

“The Board now needs to put in place a process for the appointment of a Chief Constable and will consider this at its Board meeting on 6th February.”

Peter May, permanent secretary at the Department of Justice, added: “Throughout his long and distinguished career in policing, George Hamilton has worked tirelessly and with integrity to deliver a professional and high quality policing service to the people of Northern Ireland.

“As Chief Constable of the PSNI, he has demonstrated leadership both in the wider public debates about policing and in the development of the PSNI as a policing organisation.

“We are all indebted to George Hamilton for the commitment and determination he has shown in keeping people safe and I wish him well for the future.”