Man's body found in Wolverhampton canal

Specialist crews from the emergency services were called to Horseley Fields, in Wolverhampton.

The body is thought to have been spotted by a group of teenagers out walking along the towpath below the A454 canal bridge at about 12.30pm.

The man was confirmed dead at the scene to the rear of the derelict Crane Foundry.

West Midlands Police said it was investigating the circumstances of the man's death and that detectives from Force CID were involved.

As teams of police, the fire service's specialist water support unit arrived at the scene near the Wolverhampton to Birmingham railway line, a blue and white police cordon was set up between the tow path and the pavement at Lower Horseley Fields.

The traffic at times slowed to a crawl at times as motorists passed the scene on the 529 bus route between Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Lorry driver Roy Poole, aged 30, of Birches Barn Road, Penn, said: "I was passing and noticed there was been a lot of emergency crews down here.

"I went to have a look to see what was going on. As I'm tall I could see over the side of the bridge. I saw a body being pulled out of the water by the crews in a red boat.

"It was a bit of a shock as that was the last thing I was expecting to see happen in my community."

Shaun Lenton, aged 35, unemployed automotive worker, of Hailes Park Close, Parkfields, said: "I'm really gobsmacked. My thoughts are with this person's family, whoever he is. It's a real shame that someone's been found in the canal especially when it's so cold."

Press operator Ian Miller, aged 40, of Florence Road West Bromwich, said he worked in the area and had previously gone for walks along the towpath.

"It's shocking that on a busy afternoon that someone's been found in the canal."

A five-man crew from the Perry Barr water support unit, and crews Wolverhampton and Bilston fire stations attended the scene along with West Midlands Ambulance Service.