AN inquest has been officially opened into the death of a man found in a canal in Runcorn.

Police were dispatched to Bridgewater Canal, near Canal Street, at around 7.30am on Sunday, November 13.

This came after it was reported to the force that a body had been found in the water.

Police confirmed that the body of a 51-year-old was found, with the death not being treated as suspicious.

An inquest opening at Warrington Coroner’s Court has named the deceased as Carl Ainsworth.

Opening the inquest into the death, Cheshire area coroner Claire Welch heard how Mr Ainsworth, of Runcorn, was last seen drinking at the Northern Bar in the town a day prior.

His body was formally identified by a relative at Warrington Hospital.

Coroner Welch decided that an inquest into his death was required, and the inquest was adjourned until next year.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police previously said: “At around 7.30am on Sunday, November 13, police were called to reports of a body in Bridgewater Canal, near Canal Street, Runcorn.

“Officers attended the scene and the body of a 51-year-old man was found in the water.

“The death is not believed to be suspicious, and a case file will be prepared for the coroner.”