The body of a man was found today alongside a canal in Newport.

The grim discovery was made shortly after 8am near Broomfield Road, close to the canal running between Newport and Edgmond.

Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said the body was of an unknown white man.

The body was found by two members of the public and although paramedics were called and efforts were made to save the man he was declared dead at around 8.50am.

A post mortem was due to be carried out by a Home Office pathologist this afternoon.

Mr Ammonds said: “Officers have launched an investigation which will include checks on any people reported missing in and around Telford borough recently.”

The area around where the body was found was sealed off by police and it was expected to remain cordoned off for the rest of the day while officers carry out a forensic examination of the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards said: “Although the investigation into the discovery of this body is at an early stage, I’d like to reassure local people that a number of officers are already involved in establishing exactly what caused this man’s death.

“With that in mind, I would appeal to anyone who may have information about any unusual behaviour close to the canal in Newport or Edgmond in recent times to come forward and share that information with the police.

“Anyone with information that could help us with our investigation is asked to call 0300 333 3000 or alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Meanwhile the body of a missing Telford man believed to be in the River Severn has still not been found more than a week after his disappearance.

Ted Corbett, 66, went missing on December 21 after his brother John was found dead at their home in The Nabb, St Georges. A member of the public spotted what he thought was a man’s body in a section of the water between Ironbridge and Cressage and a three-day search by police was called off on Christmas Eve because of bad weather. A car belonging to the man has been found in Cressage.

By Simon Hardy