A BODY was found by shocked fishermen in a Manchester canal today as cops probe the man's mystery death.

       Emergency services raced to Rochdale Canal on Sunday morning after reports of a man in the water.

       2

       A tent was put up on the canal towpath as forensics officers combed the scene for clues Credit: MEN Media 2

       It is understood the body was found by people magnet fishing in the Rochdale Canal

       Police confirmed a man was pronounced dead at the scene - just yards from the busy high street in Newton Heath.

       A tent was put up on the canal towpath as forensics officers combed the area for clues.

       It is understood the body was found by people magnet fishing in the Rochdale Canal, Manchester Evening News reports.

       Detectives have launched an investigation into the man's death.

       Stephen Roscoe said he saw three fire engines and "about ten police cars" rush to the scene shortly after 10am.

       He said: "There were loads of them and divers too. I knew straight away it would be someone in the water.

       Most read in News

       HALLOWEEN HORROR Passengers who saw Joker knifeman injure 17 thought it was Halloween stunt

       STATION CHAOS Passengers forced to sleep on FLOOR at London Euston station due to delays

       SPECIAL DELIVERY Amazon driver fired after woman in tiny dress spotted getting out of truck

       BIG BOY Mum gives birth to UK’s third biggest baby weighing more than a STONE

       CABLE TRAGEDY Czech cable car 'booked in for maintenance day before crash' killed one

       LIFE’S A BEACH Nan furious after being hit with ￡100 fine for visiting beach for 15 mins

       "There have been previous incidents round here. It's terrible."

       Leanne Tighe, who lives on a nearby housing estate, said she was "shocked" when she found out 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."

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

       In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 10.10am this morning 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 has been asked to contact police online, or via 101 quoting incident 1334 of 31/10/2021.