Britain's most senior anti-terrorist officer, Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman, has resigned just days after it was revealed that he was facing an investigation into his expenses claims.

Mr Hayman, 48, who was recently quizzed by auditors over his expenses, said in a statement that the "time was right" to leave his job after the "hurtful accusations" that he faced.

"Recent weeks have seen a series of leaks and unfounded accusations about me, which I have and will continue to refute strongly," he said.

Mr Hayman, the third most senior officer in the Metropolitan Police, has headed Scotland Yard's Specialist Operations Directorate, including the Counter Terrorism Command, since February 2005, before which he was Chief Constable of Norfolk Police. His career began with Essex Police in 1978.

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The resignation of Andy Hayman leaves Britain’s anti-terrorist policing operation in crisis

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Last week it emerged that Mr Hayman is facing an investigation into his expenses claims and foreign trips with a woman police sergeant.

Mr Hayman has been questioned over thousands of pounds spent on his police American Express card on hotel expenses and drinks for his staff. He has been asked to explain at least £15,000 in expenses that one Met official says included claims for "inordinate amounts" of drinking.

Records show that Hayman has spent substantially more than his boss, Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan police commissioner, and other senior officers over the last few years. Last year he spent £360.79 at a restaurant in London in October and £387.06 on another meal in June.

Another meal in London in December 2005 cost £326.25. There were no details of who, or how many people, he paid for.

There is no suggestion that Mr Hayman has broken the law and he has told colleagues that he can justify all the spending.

Mr Hayman said today: "It has been a great honour and privilege to lead Specialist Operations in its challenging work protecting this country from the palpable terrorist threat we face.

"This role requires total commitment in both time and effort and has a considerable impact on your personal life, your family and friends. It also puts you in the spotlight, often in ways that are very hurtful.

"However, these events take their toll on you personally and I feel now is the right time for me to step aside and for a new person to take over as Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations and Head of the ACPO Terrorism and Allied Matters (TAM) business area. I wish my successor and all my colleagues every success in their continued efforts to defend the United Kingdom."

The Metropolitan Police Authority will start the recruitment process for his replacement immediately and, in the interim, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke, the National Counter Terrorism Co-ordinator, has agreed to postpone his retirement to take on the role of temporary Assistant Commissioner with immediate effect.

Among those paying tribute to Mr Hayman today was the Met chief, Sir Ian, who said: "Andy Hayman can be very proud of the achievements and successes during his time in charge of Specialist Operations. In this year alone, 37 people have been convicted in terrorist related cases following investigation by the Met.

"He has also made a significant contribution to the development of policing and the service during his career. I fully understand his decision to leave at this time and wish him well for the future."

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