The body of a man found in the Kennet and Avon Canal at Devizes has been named as that of local man Gary Hedges.

According to the police, Mr Hedges, 65, was looking after the boat of a friend that was moored on the canal.

He was found in the canal opposite the entrance to Kingsmanor Wharf last Wednesday afternoon.

He was pulled from the canal by emergency services and given CPR at the scene but was declared dead a short time later.

His family have been informed of his death but an inquest has not been opened as, under new rules, the Wiltshire coroner decides whether an inquest is necessary based on the results of a post-mortem examination, which has not yet been carried out.

Police are satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances behind Mr Hedges’ death.

It is understood that Mr Hedges, who was always prepared to help other boaters, had been working aboard a narrowboat called Marmalade.

He had jumped ashore to moor it but is thought to have suffered a heart attack.