Police believe a body recovered from a park today in Greater Manchester is that of a vulnerable man who went missing several days ago.
A cordon was seen in place at Barton Aqueduct Pocket Park, in Barton upon Irwell, Salford from Saturday morning.
Although the body has yet to be formally identified, it was found in the area where 21-year-old Andrew Heys was reported missing a few days ago.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Andrew’s family had been informed of the ‘sad’ development, although his death was not being treated as suspicious.
The body was recovered by officers and was taken away by private ambulance.
Police have recovered a body from Barton Aqueduct Pocket Park in Greater Manchester
Andrew Heys, 21, was last seen at his home in Eccles on Monday evening
Officers believe the body to be that of Andrew, who went missing on Monday night in Greater Manchester
A police cordon was spotted in place on Saturday morning near Barton Road Swing Bridge in Salford
A police cordon was blocking a footpath near Barton Road Swing Bridge, near the Manchester Ship Canal.
Residents living near the scene reported seeing specialist water search and marine unit vehicles at the park around 11am on Saturday.
Detective Inspector Mike Sharples said: ‘Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Andrew’s family and friends at this time.
‘Officers and specialist resources have been working around the clock and through the night to find Andrew since he was first reported missing to us, and I would like to thank members of the public who shared our appeals and assisted with our investigation.
‘Our priority now is to make sure we can do everything possible to support the family and get the necessary answers for his loved ones, but I would ask that the family are given privacy during this time.’
Residents living near the scene also reported seeing specialist water search and marine unit vehicles at the park
Andrew, known as Andy, was an engineer at the Co-op Live Arena when he was diagnosed with Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in 2021, the MEN reported.
The condition meant that he had to learn how to walk and talk again.
He was last seen on Monday evening at his home in Eccles, the night before he had an appointment the next day.
His mother Jeanette described him as ‘friendly and approachable’, while friends said he was the ‘funniest guy in the group’.