Two men die after being pulled from canal in rescue operation

Two men have died after being pulled from a canal in Wigan.

A massive rescue operation was launched along the Leeds and Liverpool canal on Tuesday after two men aged 49 and 60 fell into the water and ‘got into difficulty’.

After being rescued and rushed to hospital by paramedics, both men died shortly upon arrival.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, though an investigation is underway.

Yesterday afternoon a huge police response was pictured on the scene as water rescue units and fire crews rushed to help save them.

In a statement issued this morning, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: ‘At 2.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 28 November) Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of concerns for welfare at Crank Wood canal, Abram, Wigan.

‘Specialist officers in a multi-agency emergency response attended the location, and two men aged 49 and 60 were taken to hospital for treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, both men sadly passed away yesterday afternoon.

‘Detectives believe that two men had entered the water and come into difficulty and at this time there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances, however, officers are currently working to establish the exact timeline of events leading up to this incident and enquiries remain ongoing.’

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