Body is pulled from river

An area near the public gardens in the centre of Shrewsbury was sealed off while officers searched the river.

The alarm was raised at about 10.15am yesterday when a member of the public spotted a pile of clothing left on the riverbank near the Welsh Bridge.

Police cordoned off land next to the river, opposite the New Theatre in Mardol Gardens, off Smithfield Road, and police were stood either side of the river to keep people away while a search was carried out.

Police were helped by the Severn Area Rescue Association - a voluntary organisation - to help look for the body.

Duty Inspector Ken Mackaill said: "There has been no formal identification made yet but I would expect one to be made this week.

"We are not looking, at this stage, for anyone else in connection with the death, although the full circumstances are as yet unexplained.

"Until we have spoken to more witnesses and know the results of the post mortem the circumstances are unexplained at the moment."

It is believed the man had been swimming in the River Severn the night before his body was found.

Inspector Mark Hatton said: "Officers made a search of the area and located the body of a male submerged in shallow water a few feet from the bank.

"At this time the police are dealing with this as a suspicious death."

Insp Hatton said the Coroner for Mid and North Shropshire had been informed of the death.

An inquest is expected to be opened in the next couple of days.

Councillor Judith Williams, who represents the Frankwell ward, said: "Whoever it was, it is a tragedy for the town and whoever the person's family are and our thoughts go out to them."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Shrewsbury police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Rebecca Lawrence