Investigation launched after a body is recovered from the canal at Wigan

A passer-by is believed to have made the grim discovery where the waterway passes close to Beech Hill crossroads.

A brief statement from Greater Manchester Police reads: “At approximately 5pm yesterday (Sunday August 13) officers were called to reports of a body found in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Woodhouse Lane in Wigan.

"Greater Manchester Police is urging people to avoid the area whilst they respond.”

Police initially said that a more detailed report, including a public appeal, was due to be published on Monday, but since then Wigan Today has been told that that is now not the case, with the contacting of next of kin a priority.