A MAN was found dead in a canal last weekend in what police believe was a tragic accident.

The body has been identified as that of Peter Grant, aged 51, of Farcroft Avenue, Radcliffe. He was discovered in the nearby Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal, off Bury Road, on Sunday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene on the Radcliffe and Bury border, which is in a local beauty spot popular with walkers, at 8.30am after being alerted by a passerby, who saw the body in the water.

Firefighters assisted police in recovering the body from the water. Forensics teams were also on the scene as investigations got underway into the circumstances of his death.

It is believed that Mr Grant had been out with his girlfriend on the Saturday night and had left her house alone at around 2.30am to walk to his home. On his way towards Farcroft Avenue, he fell into the water.

A police source reported that there were signs he had struggled to get out of the canal. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and no indication of third party involvement.

Neighbours said he was a "lovely" man.

An inquest is due to be opened into his death at Bury and Rochdale Coroner's Court.

Frank Shenton, aged 62, said he saw police activity as he went for his morning walk.

He said: “I go down there for a walk for a bit of exercise.

“That morning there was a police officer there blocking off the road, so I walked round and saw the police.

“I walked on the bridge and there was a car parked there and cars do not park there.”

Tributes have also been paid to Mr Grant on social media.

Chelsea Avison tweeted: "Can't believe it was Pete who was found dead in Radcliffe canal, you meant so much to a lot and didn't deserve to die. R.I.P Pete."