Sadness as body of man found in Horwich

Police were called to the area alongside Chorley New Road at around 7.20am following the report of a concern for someone's welfare.

The identity of the man has not been confirmed but the circumstances of his death are not thought to be "suspicious".

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A police cordon set up in Horwich (Image: Newsquest)

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to Chorley New Road, Horwich, at around 7.20am this morning (Friday) where the body of a man was found.

"Identification still needs to take place but it's not believed to suspicious."

A police cordon was set up opposite St Elizabeth's Church and near to the Brazley Centre as officers carried out their work on the patch of land next to Chorley New Road.

The cordon has now been lifted.

Concerns were initially raised about the incident potentially affecting St Joseph's High School after emergency vehicles were spotted near its premises.

But the school soon released a statement confirming the incident did not happen there.

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A school spokesperson said: "Please note there has been a police incident near school this morning.

"Whilst you may have been concerned please be assured all students are presently safe and in end of year assemblies and there is no need to be alarmed.

"This incident is an isolated incident and has nothing to do with school, staff or pupils, but police vehicles are parked next to school whilst dealing with it."

Residents who live near to where the man's body was found expressed their shock and sadness.