The match between Manchester City and Southampton kicks off at 3pm (Picture: MEN Media)

Football fans have been told to find alternative routes to Manchester City’s ground after a body was found by a canalside path to the Etihad Stadium.

Police have taped off an area around Ashton Canal, where the body – believed to be a man – was discovered this morning, Manchester Evening News reported.

The death is not believed to be suspicious, but emergency services and a forensic tent remained on the scene until shortly before today’s match at the nearby grounds.

Police tape blocks off a section of Clayton Lane and a canal towpath, a popular route to the Etihad Stadium, which is less than a mile away.

Manchester City is hosting Southampton at the stadium for a Premier League match with a 3pm kick off.
Several police cars and an ambulance were on the scene, according to eyewitnesses.

A white forensic tent was erected along the bank of the canal.

Workers from the Canal and River Trust, which manages the canal network, also attended.

Police said: ‘We are currently responding to an incident on Clayton Lane near to the canal with other emergency services.

‘For those attending the MCFC fixture soon please be aware a scene is in place, and you will have to seek an alternative route towards the Etihad Stadium.’

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