Performance director Neil Black will now lead the team

Peter Eriksson has announced he will leave his job as head coach of British Athletics at the end of June - just seven months after taking over from Dutchman Charles van Commenee.

The 60-year-old, who signed a five-year contract last October, will be released from his contract in order to return to Canada to be with his family.

Eriksson had been expected to remain in charge until the 2017 World Championships in London, but the news has come as a shock just days before the start of the domestic outdoor season.

"Words cannot describe how disappointed I am to take this step," said Eriksson, who has been employed by UK Athletics since 2008.

"There is no bigger job in athletics anywhere in the world. At present I have no plans, but accept that if I am to take any other job in sport it will be a step down.

"Athletics in Great Britain receives the best possible support through the National Lottery, and that, coupled with the performance structure here means it is every coach's dream to hold this position.

"However no job is more important than family and children, and personal circumstances mean that mine need me to be back in Canada."

Performance director Neil Black will fill Eriksson's role following the Swede's departure, meaning he will be in charge at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow during August.

"This is a big disappointment but it could not have been foreseen six months ago, and Peter has been open with us on the personal challenges he faces," said Black.