Officers were alerted to the find by a member of the public out walking the towpath near Chesham Street, at about 6.25am on Tuesday.

A specialist search team, which had cordoned off a section of towpath nearby in the search for Wayne Hassall, removed a body. Official confirmation it was Mr Hassall's came earlier today (Thursday).

Mr Hassall left his home in Eagle Street at about 4pm on Saturday to take his dog for a walk. The 37-year-old, who is thought to have suffered from epilepsy, had not been seen for three days.

His dog Jamie was later found.

Police had been 'concerned' and cordoned off part of the canal near Rushmore Street on Monday evening. They sent frogmen into the canal and used specially-trained sniffer dogs.

Officers had talked to walkers along Mr Hassall's favourite routes.

They remain keen to hear from anyone who has been walking or jogging in the Eagle Rec or canal towpath area, or on a boat on the canal, who may have spotted Mr Hassall before he entered the water.

He was described as white, 5ft 8 ins tall, with a stocky build and brown hair. When he left the house he was wearing a dark blue LeCoq T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.

The dog, also known as JJ, is described as white with a brown head.

Anyone who saw Mr Hassall or the dog is asked to contact Warwickshire Police immediately on 01926 415000.