A BODY was found in the canal at Old Trafford by the skipper of a water taxi after it became caught up in his propeller.

It is believed the vessel's engine cut out when the body became entangled in it.

When the captain of the Waxi lifted the engine out of the water he saw the man's body, in the canal off Trafford Wharf Road.

He alerted the emergency services following the grim discovery on Friday morning. Police have not yet released details of the man's identity, but they say there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

Steven Cadwell, the owner of Manchester Water Taxis, said of the discovery of the body: "It was a terrible shock for the skipper.

"Normally when the engine cuts out it is just a plastic bag or something.

"The skipper has had a few days off and we have offered him counselling."

He continued: "I would like to pass on our condolences to the deceased person's family."

A spokesperson for GMP said: "At around 9.20am on Friday 10 February 2017, police were called to Trafford Wharf Road in Trafford Park.

"On arrival the body of a man was discovered in the Bridgewater Canal.

"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

"Formal identification is yet to take place."