Wiltshire DCC found dead at home

The deputy chief constable of Wiltshire Police has been found dead at his home.

Wiltshire Police said David Ainsworth was discovered on Tuesday (March 22) and his death was not being treated as suspicious.

He had been removed from his normal duties at the time of his death, working on other projects while an internal investigation at the force was taking place.

In a joint statement, the chief constable of Wiltshire Police, Brian Moore, and the chair of Swindon and Wiltshire Police Authority, Christopher Hoare, said: “We can confirm that Wiltshire Police’s deputy chief constable David Ainsworth was found dead at his home this morning.  Our thoughts are very much with David’s family and friends as they come to terms with the sad news. We are offering them our full support.

“David’s death is not being treated as suspicious at this time. The news of David’s death is clearly a shock to Wiltshire Police and appropriate support is being offered to staff.”

As a mark of respect, the force flag at Wiltshire Police headquarters was flown at half mast.
Sir Hugh Orde, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), said: “The death of David Ainsworth has come as a shock to the policing community. David made a valuable contribution to policing not just at the force-level, but also with his work nationally around vehicle crime and forensic procurement. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and colleagues as we digest the news of this tragedy.”