Police shut section of popular North West beach after man's body found

A police investigation is underway after a man’s body was found near a popular North West beach this morning.

Merseyside Police confirmed a body was discovered in the River Mersey, near Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton, Wirral, after responding to a call from a dog walker at around 9.30am on Sunday (August 6).

The police force said the death is currently being treated as unexplained. Work is ongoing to identify the man and notify his next of kin.

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A large emergency services presence was reported at the New Brighton beach following the discovery this morning, reports the ECHO.

Five Merseyside Police vehicles and an ambulance were present at the scene. A member of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), stationed in the area, said that part of New Brighton beach had to be closed while the situation was dealt with but was unable to comment any further.

The Mess, a café situated inside the fort, remained open this morning with customers dining inside and on the raised path leading into the attraction. A member of staff said there had been no disruption to the morning’s service despite the large police presence in the area.

The scene in New Brighton had cleared by midday and the beach had been reopened to the public. The car park had also fully reopened to the public.

In a statement, Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm a man’s body has been found in the River Mersey near to Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton this morning (Sunday, 6 August).

“We responded to a call from a member of the public who was taking her dog for a morning walk when she discovered the body at 9.34am. The investigation is in its early stages and the