Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder after man's body found in canal

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

A police underwater search team attended, along with firefighters and paramedics, and the body of a man was recovered from the canal later that morning.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, but has now been released with no further action to be taken.

However, three further males, aged 16, 17 and 18, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody for questioning.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “First and foremost our thoughts remain firmly with the family of the man who very tragically lost his life and we currently have specialist officers providing support to them.

“We currently have three people in custody for questioning but I would stress that our investigation is continuing at pace to ensure we are able to provide his family with the answers they deserve.

“We will continue to have an increased police presence in the area and encourage anyone with any worries or concerns to speak with officers. We’re also continuing to appeal to anyone who has any information, or was in the area on Wednesday night or Thursday morning to make contact with police as a matter of urgency. Any information, no matter how big or small, could be crucial to the investigation.”

Police officers remained at the canal, near Leigh Bridge, on Friday, with a tent erected on the towpath and the area cordoned off.

Large vehicles were parked on the road, including those used by crime scene investigators and the police’s underwater search and marine unit.

Several bunches of flowers had been left nearby as a tribute to the man, who has not yet been formally named by the police.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9283 quoting log 477 of 25/03/21. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about what happened to call them on 0161 856 9283, quoting log 477 of March 25, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, 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