A man's body was tragically discovered in the River Irwell in Prestwich on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called to Drinkwater Park in Prestwich Clough shortly after 8am following reports from a jogger who found the man in the water. The discovery occurred near Bradley Brook, close to Philips Park, with emergency services swiftly deploying to the scene.

Upon receiving the alert, multiple emergency services, including Greater Manchester Police, Ambulance Services, Fire Services, and water rescue units, converged on the location. An Air Ambulance was also scrambled to assist with the response. A scene was immediately put in place around the area, with police vehicles observed along Tottington Lane as part of the extensive emergency operation. Despite the rapid and comprehensive efforts of all emergency personnel, the man sadly passed away at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the fatality and stated that an investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Enquiries are currently in their early stages, focusing on how the man came to be in the water. The man has not yet been identified. A spokesperson for GMP reiterated the timeline, stating: "Shortly after 8am on Sunday 17 May 2026, officers were called to Prestwich Clough, Prestwich to reports of a body in the River Irwell. Officers attended and a man was pulled from the water. Despite best efforts of emergency services, the man sadly passed away at the scene." Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could assist their investigation, urging anyone who may have been in the area to contact them via 101, quoting log 725 of 17.05.2026.