One of Scotland Yard’s most senior officers, John Yates, has resigned over his handling of the phone hacking scandal and his links to Neil Wallis, the former News of the World executive.
The Metropolitan Assistant Commisioner fell on his sword after a day of turmoil at Britain's biggest police force. Mr Yates resigned after being told he would be suspended as his conduct was being referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
A spokesman for the Met said on Monday afternoon: "Assistant Commissioner John Yates has this afternoon indicated his intention to resign to the Chair of the MPA. This has been accepted.
"AC Yates will make a statement later this afternoon."
The disclosures represent a fresh blow to the force just 12 months out from the Olympics, as the phone hacking scandal continues to engulf the Yard, the government and the media.