Hampshire chief constable Scott Chilton has quit just weeks after the Daily Echo revealed he was under investigation for a past relationship with a junior officer.

Today the Echo can reveal his departure amid the police watchdog serving him notice he is under new investigation into alleged gross misconduct.

This newspaper understands the investigation centres around a past undisclosed relationship with a junior officer, and another relationship said to have been formed since he became chief two years ago.

Mr Chilton, who has around 33 years in policing after joining at 18, was previously under investigation by the police watchdog for failing to disclose a relationship after an allegation was made at another former officer's misconduct hearing.

A second referral to the police watchdog was made last week with the police and crime commissioner being told he "is under investigation for potential gross misconduct".

An internal email has confirmed Mr Chilton has retired today with immediate effect. It means deputy chief constable Sam de Reya is now leading the force as acting chief.

READ MORE: Probe into chief constable for 'failing to disclose relationship' with junior officer

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “The Chief Constable has retired after 33 years of service. 
 
“The IOPC investigation will continue notwithstanding his retirement. 
 
“As Commissioner, I will now start the process to recruit a new Chief Constable. In the interim period I have appointed Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya as Acting Chief Constable to continue leading the force to deliver the best possible service to the public.” 

Ms de Reya added: “We are here, first and foremost, to deliver exceptional policing for our communities, putting victims first and bringing offenders to justice.

“This will continue to be our focus, to keep people safe and make sure they feel safe across our two counties.”

Mr Chilton had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following DCI Roger Wood's misconduct hearing.

The former detective had been quizzed over relationships with junior officers during a hearing and said: "Well the chief constable had an affair."

Hampshire police then made a referral to the IOPC, which is investigating Mr Chilton.

Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner previously told the Echo that Mr Chilton had her "full support to continue reducing crime, increasing detection rates and making communities safer across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight”.

In a message sent out to officers and staff two weeks ago and seen by this newspaper, Mr Chilton said: "As many of you will appreciate, these investigations can be lengthy and it may take some time until the outcome is concluded. I know you will understand that I am limited in what I can say until that point.

"News of this investigation has had a personal impact on myself, my family, and my friends, but I have the full support of our Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as colleagues in the force and my family.

"I remain totally committed to delivering exceptional policing for our communities. This matter will not distract me from leading the force."