A MAN in his 50s died after being found in the water at a popular fishing venue in Radcliffe on Sunday afternoon.

Neighbours reported a heavy emergency services presence concerning the incident at Red Bank Lodges, near Kirkstall Gardens.

Fire crews have confirmed they spent a couple of hours at the incident while officers from Greater Manchester Police were still in attendance.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "At around 2.55pm on Sunday 5 April 2020, police were called to reports of concern for the welfare of a man in water off Kirkstall Gardens, Bury.

"Emergency services attended and a man, in his 50s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"His next of kin has been informed.

"There are no suspicious circumstance surrounding his death."

Cllr Paul Cropper, who represents Radcliffe North, said: "I know that there was a helicopter flying overhead between 2pm and 4pm.

"From what I've heard there was a lot of police and fire bridge around the Pilkington Road area.

"I have been hearing on Facebook that someone may have drowned but I cannot confirm whether that is true or not.

"It is very sad to hear if it is true as it is an area where a lot of families are going around the back of the Radcliffe Borough stadium. It is a very nice area."