The Chief Constable of Tayside Police, Kevin Mathieson, has resigned, as reported earlier in the day by  STV News.

Chief Constable Mathieson informed colleagues at the Bell Street Headquarters at a meeting  on Tuesday morning.

A statement from Tayside Police said Chief Constable Mathieson, 49, had chosen to retire "for personal reasons relating to the health of a member of his family".

The Joint Police Board said the married father of three had done an "outstanding" job.  Convener Ian Mackintosh said: "While we are extremely disappointed, we do fully understand and respect the reasons behind his decision.

"The health and well being of one's family must always come before the job.

"Kevin has been an outstanding servant to the communities of Tayside in the time that he has been a member of the force executive here.

"We wish him and his family well for the future."

Chief Constable Mathieson was raised to his current position in July of last year. His first annual report was only released on Tuesday, claiming that crime was at its lowest level in the region for a decade.

Local council leaders hailed the report as excellent.

Chief Constable Mathieson, a former pupil of Buckie High School, began his career with Grampian Police in 1976 following service as a police cadet, serving in a number of roles within the force. Between 1988 and 1991, he was also seconded to the Scottish Crime Squad as Detective Sergeant.

He has held a number of posts in recent years. In 1997 he became the Area Commander for operational policing in Aberdeen, and in 2000 he joined Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary at the Home Office as Staff Officer, where his portfolio included Criminal and Youth Justice.

Returning to Grampian Police in 2001, he became Head of the Operational Support Department, and in 2002 successfully completed the Strategic Command Course.

Just before becoming Tayside's top cop he was appointed Assistant Chief Constable with Northumbria Constabulary in 2003, where he had responsibility for Management Services, Operational Policing, and latterly he held the Crime portfolio.

One smudge on his record came last autumn when he was caught speeding. He apologised after being found driving 72mph in a 60mph zone on the A9 near Kingussie last September. He was fined and given three penalty points.

Arrangements are being made to appoint a successor. STV News understands the application and interview process could take up  to six months.