A BODY has been found following a barge fire on the Bridgewater Canal in Lymm.

Cheshire Police have confirmed a man was found dead following a canal barge fire.

Shortly before 4.05am today, Friday, March 8, police were called to reports of a fire.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended, tackling the fire with two fire engines from Stockton Heath and Lymm.

Firefighters received reports of a fire on a barge on Bridgewater Canal at 3.25am

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: “Shortly before 4.05 am today, Friday 8 March, police were called to reports of a fire on a canal barge on the Bridgewater canal in Lymm.
“On arrival at the scene, officers found the barge which was well alight. Firefighters from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire.

“During a search of the boat officers sadly discovered the body of a man was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has not yet taken place.

“A joint police and fire investigation is being carried out to establish the cause of the fire, although at this time the death is not believed to be suspicious.”

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number IML 1773016.