The body of a woman was discovered in a canal yesterday, police have now confirmed.

Officers confirmed a woman in her 50s died after being found in the Manchester Ship Canal at Ellesmere Port.

Emergency services found the woman at around 7am on Thursday, September 9 after they were called to reports of concerns for the safety of a person near to South Pier.

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While the woman is yet to have been formally identified, her next of kin have been informed.

Officers say her death is currently being treated as 'unexplained.'

Detectives are investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information to contact police.

A Cheshire police spokesperson said: "At around 7am on Thursday 9 September police 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 of a woman in the Manchester Ship Canal.

"Formal identification has not yet been completed, but it is believed to be a local woman in her 50s. The woman’s next of kin have been informed.

"Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and at the death is being treated as unexplained at this time.

"Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1080648."