A POLICE scene is in place after a man's body was found in the water this morning.

Officers were called to the scene, at Dockfield Road, Shipley, at around 10.20am.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services attended and confirmed the body was that of a man.

"He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Enquiries into the man’s death are at a very early stage and remain ongoing."

A section of Dockfield Road and the canal towpath were blocked off, with motorists asked to avoid the area at the current time, but it's understood they have since re-opened.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire crews were called to Dockfield Road, Shipley this morning to assist police.

"Firefighters left the area just before 1pm."

Ambulance crews were also in attendance.

One woman who lives in the area said she had walked past the scene as it was being cordoned off and could see the emergency services arriving when she got home.

She said: "I'm really shocked, you don't expect something to happen on your doorstep.

"All the emergency services arrived pretty quickly. It's really sad for the family, whoever the person is."

She said she had seen forensics at the scene after the sad discovery was made.

The Canal & River Trust has releasaed a statement this afternoon.

Sean McGinley, director Yorkshire & North East, told the Telegraph & Argus: "We are saddened to hear of this incident and our thoughts are with the man’s family.

“The police are investigating and we will support them in any way we can.”

Councillor Martin Love (Greens, Shipley) said: "It's a very sad thing to have happened and my heart goes out to the person and their family.

"It's a very sad situation."

His fellow Green Party ward councillor Kevin Warnes added: “It’s very sad to hear this and thoughts are very much with this person’s family and friends. 

“I am sure the local police and other agencies will do an excellent, professional job at investigating and hopefully finding out more about the cause of this tragedy.

“It’s really, really sad when these sort of things happen to someone, they will have loved ones and friends that will miss them and I hope whatever the circumstances are, they are fully investigated and brought to light.”