Police chief to step down after force's handling of child abuse cases criticised

The chief of South Yorkshire Police is to step down following criticism that handling of child sexual exploitation cases by his force was "inadequate".

Chief Constable David Crompton is to retire in November after 31 years in policing, the force said.

It comes after a report, commissioned in the wake of the Rotherham grooming scandal and led by Professor John Drew, found the force's response to the abuse was "inadequate" and missed opportunities.

In a statement posted on Twitter, South Yorkshire Police said: "The Chief Constable's contract runs until November. He will retire after 31 years in policing."