High-profile police officer who led inquiry into policing in Northern Ireland

Born: April 14 1939;

Died: February 15 2019

JOHN Stalker, who has died aged 79, was one of Britain's most high-profile police officers. He served in the force for more than three decades, rising to the rank of deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester and leading a major and controversial inquiry into policing in Northern Ireland, which became known as the Stalker Inquiry.

Born in Manchester, he was the oldest of four boys and was brought up as Catholic. He had always wanted to be a journalist but after school worked in insurance before joining the police in 1956. He quickly rose through the ranks and later spent several months on the inquiry into the Moors Murders.

He spent a long time in CID where he worked for 16 years, rising to the rank of detective superintendent but also held posts in the Serious Crime Squad and the Bomb Squad. He also became the first head of the drugs squad.

In 1978, when he was just 38 years old, he was appointed head of Warwickshire CID, the youngest detective chief superintendent in the country before becoming deputy chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police in 1984, the biggest police force outside London.

During his time as a police officer Mr Stalker travelled around the world studying terrorism and crime in Europe, the USA and South America and on his return he worked for two years in Northern Ireland, investigating an alleged state "shoot to kill" policy targeting members of the Provisional IRA. However, he was replaced as officer in charge of the RUC investigation after allegations he was associating with criminals in Manchester in 1986. He was later exonerated but felt that he was taken off the case at the moment he believed he was about to obtain an MI5 tape of one of the shootings.

After his retirement in 1987 he carved out a new career as a journalist and pursued his passion for writing, publishing an autobiography in 1988.

He also enjoyed travelling the world with his wife and spending time at their holiday home in North Wales.

Colette Cartwright, his eldest daughter, led tributes to him. She said: "After marrying my dear mum Stella in 1961 he spent his life as a devoted police officer, proudly serving the people of Greater Manchester for over 30 years. He is fondly remembered by many as going above and beyond the call of duty and was committed to making a difference for those most in need."

Mr Stalker, who is survived by his two daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, had been in poor health following the death of his wife 14 months ago.