UPDATE: |Tragedy as man found dead in Rochdale Canal News

Police and firefighters attended the scene

Officers have taped off part of the Rochdale Canal after a man was tragically found dead in the water.

Police and firefighters were called out to the scene at around 10.30am this morning (April 18) near to Varley Street, in Miles Platting.

Emergency services received reports of a person in the canal.

Greater Manchester Police says a man was sadly found dead at the scene.

There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, but officers are continuing their enquiries.

A GMP spokesperson said: “Officers were called to a report of a body in the water near Varley Street in Manchester just after 10.30am am today (Friday, April 18 2025).

“Emergency services attended and a man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries remain ongoing, at this time there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

A section of the towpath by the Rochdale Canal has been closed off by police.

Crime scene investigators are among the officers in attendance, while a forensic tent has been erected.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service added: “Just after 10:30am this morning (Friday, April 18), two fire engines from Philips Park and Moss Side fire station, along with the Technical Response Unit from Ashton and Water Incident Unit from Eccles, attended an incident at Varley Street, Miles Platting.

“Firefighters were in attendance for around 40 minutes.”