POLICE divers have recovered a body from a canal near York.

Officers were alerted at 8.45am yesterday (July 27) to Beal Lock, not far from where Selby Canal joins the River Ouse, by a member of the public who spotted the body.

North Yorkshire Police say the nearby area has been cordoned off and a road was temporarily closed while the Humberside Police Underwater Search Unit recovered the body. A police helicopter also assisted at the scene.

Inspector David Hunter said: “It appears the body has been in the water some time and enquiries are underway with neighbouring forces to help identify the person.

At this early stage, we do not believe it relates to any North Yorkshire Police missing person cases or investigations.

“While the investigation is on-going at the scene, we urge people to keep away from the area until further notice.”

Anyone with information that could help enquiries is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference NYP-27072016-0098.