Body found in Kennet and Avon Canal

Police and firefighters have been on the scene as a man in his eighties was discovered

THE body of a man has been discovered in the Kennet and Avon Canal this afternoon (Wed).

Police were called to the section of the canal near Bone Lane, Newbury, at about 1.30pm.

A cordon of approximately 100 meters was put in place east of the footbridge by Greenham Mill.

Members of the public were being told to find an alternative route home or to places of work.

A water rescue unit from Caversham Road, Reading, and one crew from Dee Road fire station, Reading, were also in attendance to help in the operation.

Paramedics attended the incident but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man, who has not yet been formally identified, is said to be in his eighties but thought not to be from the local area.

Det Supt Paul Davidson, based at Newbury police station, said at the scene: “The man is in his eighties but we don't believe him to be local.

“We are not treating the incident as suspicious and we are preparing a report for the coroner.

“We got a call about 1.30pm from a member of the public. They were walking along the towpath and saw the body in the canal and informed us.”

The incident follows the news on Monday (June 13) that the body of an 80-year-old man from Thatcham was pulled out of a section of the canal just off Mill Lane on June 4.