Police launched a murder inquiry today after the body of a man who had been stabbed to death was fished out of a canal.

A passer-by called 999 after spotting the body in the Manchester Ship Canal close to the Imperial War Museum North, Trafford Park, at around 4.30pm yesterday.

Firefighters were called to the scene and pulled the body from the water.

Police believe the body, of a man aged in his 50s, had been in the water for more than a week.

At first officers were unclear whether a puncture wound seen on his chest had occurred before or after he had plunged into the water.

But a post mortem examination carried out this morning concluded the man had died of a single stab wound to the chest.

Detectives have now launched a murder inquiry and are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

Officers particularly want to speak to anyone who can identify the dead man.

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 762 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.