A BODY of a 43-year-old man has been found in the Mersey in the Halebank area of Widnes this morning, Wednesday.

Shortly before midday, police were called to reports of a body in the river close to Mersey View Road.

This evening police officers confirmed it was the body of a 43-year-old local man.

Formal identification of the man has taken place and his family are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and there is not believed to be any third party involvement.

A full case file will now be prepared for the coroner.

At around 11.40am today police were called to reports of a body being found in the Mersey, near Mersey View Road in Widnes.

Emergency services were in attendance and a specialist underwater search team assissted with recovery of the body.

As a result of the incident a small police cordon has been set up and a number of public footpaths in the Halebank area were closed.