Investigation launched after man's body found in Basingstoke canal

An investigation has been launched following the discovery of a man's body in the Basingstoke Canal at Woodham Lock, West Byfleet. The body was discovered at around 9am on Saturday by a member of the public.

Detective Superintendent Tanya Jones of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime team said: "At this stage the deceased man has not been formally identified, though we believe we know who he is and have informed his family.

We are looking into the circumstances that led to him being found in the water, and we treating it as suspicious.

"The team and I are focused on a number of enquiries to try and establish what has happened, and will be carrying out various searches in the area, as well as making house to house visits.

"We are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have used the Basingstoke Canal towpath (Saturn trail) at Woodham Lock; or used the lock bridge to cross the canal between Woodlands Avenue and Faris Lane, or the footpath to Fulbrook School; between midnight and 9am this morning.

We want to speak to anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in the area at those times, or who may have any other information that could help us."