Man arrested on suspicion of murder after body recovered from canal

Emergency services were called at around 7am on Thursday to a report of a body in the Leeds-Liverpool Canal near King Street, Leigh.

A police underwater search team attended and the body of a man was recovered from the canal.

The man, believed to be in his 30s, was found with multiple injuries.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody for questioning.

Police officers remain at the scene and inquiries are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Det Ch Insp Liz Hopkinson, from Greater Manchester Police's major incident team, said: “Sadly this morning a body was recovered from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and our thoughts are firmly with the family of the man who has tragically lost his life.

“Our investigation is currently in its initial stages and our team are exploring all available lines of enquiry. We understand that incidents of this nature can be distressing for the community and I want to reassure the public that we are doing all that we can to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

“We will have an increased police presence in the area and we encourage anyone with any concerns or worries to speak with our officers.

“We’d also urge anyone with information or who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area last night or early this morning to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9283, quoting log 477 of March 25.

Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here