THE victim of a murder in Leigh has been confirmed as a 33-year-old man from the area.

A murder investigation has revealed that Scott Anderton was stabbed multiple times and suffered blunt trauma injuries before his body was seen in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near King Street, Leigh.

Emergency services were called to the area at around 7am on Thursday, March 25.

A 21-year-old man was previously arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released with no further action.

Three males – aged 16, 17, and 18 – were arrested on Friday, March 26, and will remain in custody for an additional 36 hours after an application was accepted at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court earlier today, Saturday.

Mr Anderton’s next of kin has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9283 quoting log 477 of 25/03/21.

Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.