Shocked magnet fishermen find man's body in Manchester canal

Shocked magnet fishermen find man’s body in Manchester canal – with police launching investigation into how he died

• Body was found in Rochdale Canal next to Old Church Street in Newton Heath
• Three fire engines and ‘ten police cars’ descended on the scene at 10.10am
• A tent was put up on the canal towpath and forensic officers combed the area
• Anyone with information should contact police online, if able, or via 101

A body was reportedly found by people ‘magnet fishing’ in a Manchester canal today.

Police and firefighters descended on Old Church Street in Newton Heath to access Rochdale Canal.

Police confirmed a man was pronounced dead at the scene, just yards from a busy high street.

A body was reportedly found by people ‘magnet fishing’ in a Manchester canal today

Police and firefighters descended on Old Church Street in Newton Heath to access Rochdale Canal

A tent was put up on the canal towpath and residents watched on as forensic officers combed the scene for clues.

Stephen Roscoe said he saw three fire engines and ‘about ten police cars’ descend on the scene at about 10.10am.

‘There were loads of them and divers too,’ he said. 

‘I knew straight away it would be someone in the water. There have been previous incidents round here. It’s terrible.’

Leanne Tighe, who lives on a housing estate near to the scene, said she was shocked when she found out that someone had died.

‘When I saw the police, I thought someone might have been attacked but then I saw the tent,’ she said.

‘You don’t expect to see that sort of thing. I have lived here for 13 years. We do get some issues but nothing that doesn’t go on in other areas.’

A tent was put up on the canal towpath and residents watched on as forensic officers combed the scene for clues

Detectives have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the man’s death.

Officers remained at the scene, close to Newton Heath Library, throughout Sunday.

Several entrances to the towpath were taped off as police officers stood guard.

Greater Manchester Police said: ‘At around 10.10am this morning (October 31) police were called to a report of a concern for the welfare of a man in the water close to Old Church Street in Manchester.

‘Police and GMFRS responded and a man was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

‘Enquiries are ongoing to identify the man and the circumstances behind the incident.

‘Officers remain at the scene. Anyone with information should contact police online, if able, or via 101 quoting incident 1334 of 31/10/2021.’

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