A person has died after being found in the Manchester Ship Canal, in Ellesmere Port.

Emergency services discovered the body at around 7am this morning, after being called to reports of concerns for the safety of a person.

Officers found the body near to South Pier, in the water of the Manchester Ship Canal, close to the National Waterways Museum.

READ MORE: Footballer found dead on mountain had suffered 'traumatic chest injuries'

South Pier Road has been closed by police as they investigate the incident and recover the body.

A large cordon has been put in place primarily around the boat museum, a section of the canal and close to Grosvenor Wharf Road.

The identity of the person has not yet been confirmed by police.

A Cheshire police spokesperson said: "At around 7am on Thursday 9 September officers were called to reports of concerns for the safety of a person near to South Pier, Ellesmere Port.

"Officers attended the scene and discovered a body in the Manchester Ship Canal.

"Police and fire are in attendance at the scene and are working to recover the body.

"As a result of the incident South Pier Road is currently closed.

"The identity of the person has not yet been confirmed.

"There is currently restricted access to the boat museum as well as to South Pier Road."

For the latest news and breaking news visit http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/.

Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews - the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account - real news in real time.

We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.