Police on the scene by the canal basin near Broomfield Road, Newport.

A major investigation was under way today to identify a mystery man whose body was found in “unexplained” circumstances near a Shropshire canal.

Police have so far been unable to identify the man and more than 20 police officers have been drafted in to piece together who he is and how he died.

Detectives have now released photographs of the man’s belongings, which were found next to his body near Newport Canal, in the hope that someone will be able to identify him.

The man – who was white and aged between 25 and 45 – was discovered just after 8am yesterday near Broomfield Road in Newport, which remains sealed off.

A post mortem has been carried out on the body, but the cause of death is yet to be ascertained. Police would not comment on the circumstances of the man’s death which they are treating as “unexplained”.

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks said: “As of yet we have been unable to identify the dead man and it is vital that we do this to enable us to progress our investigation more quickly.

“The man is described as being white, aged between 25 and 45 and as having a slim build. He is also described as being around 5ft 5in tall, as having closely shaved hair and brown eyes.

“A tidily-packed, black, Mio walking satellite navigation system drawstring bag containing a number of items including a pair of glasses, a blue Helly Hansen jacket, a blue fleece coat and a woolly hat with a NY logo on it, was also found near to the body and we are today releasing photos of these items in the hope that someone is able to identify them and connect them to the body.

“This investigation remains at an early stage and we would expect it to continue for some time.

“We would be keen to hear from anyone who may recognise this man from the description given or anyone who suspects they may know who this man is. We are also keen to hear from anyone who may seen anything unusual close to the canal in Newport or Edgmond in recent times.”

Anyone with information should call Telford police on 0300 3333000.

By Jason Lavan and Wayne Beese