Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses after the body of a 44-year-old man was discovered in the Kennet and Avon canal in Devizes this morning.

The body was found by a member of the public in the water close to The Wharf shortly before 6.45am, and delayed the start of the annual Devizes to Westminster canoe race.

The man's next of kin have been informed but formal identification has not yet been completed.

The deceased was wearing a black jacket, black jeans and a tartan check style shirt.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of The Lamb pub in Devizes between 1am and 2am this morning and may have seen a male matching this description.

Also, anyone using a boat on the canal last night or the early hours of this morning is asked to contact Wiltshire Police if they saw anything suspicious.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police immediately on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.