AN investigation was under way today after a man's body was discovered hanging from a bridge.

The body was found above the River Darwen at 7.40am today at Hollin Bridge Street, Blackburn.

The area was closed off to traffic from the Ewood triangle and Aqueduct Street, from 8am for 45 minutes as traffic was diverted.

Fire crews and paramedics were also called to the scene.

Police say they do not believe that the incident is suspicious.

A spokesman said: "The body was found hanging from a bridge by a rope.

"He was pronounced dead at the scene and the body has been taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

"The coroner has been informed and crime scene investigators were called in at 8.12am.

"At this stage we do not believe the incident to be suspicious."

Fire officers used ropes and ladders to winch the body back up to the roadside.

Hamilton Street and Aqueduct Road were cordoned off while the recovery took place.