A MAN’S body has been found at the foot of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Emergency services recovered the body of the man, known locally as Gary Roberts, 67, from Acrefair, at about 5.30pm on Wednesday before his next of kin was informed.

His body was found in the River Dee below the 120ft aqueduct in Trevor, near Llangollen.

North Wales Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious and the matter has been referred to North East Wales coroner John Gittins.

Bruce Wright, 70, of Charles Avenue, Trevor had known Mr Roberts for years.
He said: “I’m really shocked by what’s happened.

“He was a grand gentleman. Gary was a regular walker along the aqueduct and all I can think is he’s had an accident.”

Mr Roberts was a supporter of the Llangollen Railway, and spokesman George Jones said: “We are very sorry to hear this news. He was a well-known character and a very affable gentleman.”

Another Charles Avenue resident, who did not wish to be named, knew Mr Roberts through friends and was deeply saddened by the news.

He said: “I knew him to say hello to and he was a lovely man.

“The last I heard he was looking after his elderly mother. He doted on her.

“This will hit the community hard and will make people very sad.”

Nearby residents reported seeing the police helicopter hovering over the aqueduct during the evening.

The fire and ambulance services were also in the area.

Adrian Jones, of Station Road, Trevor, said he first heard the helicopter between 6pm and 7pm.

“I thought it was a boat on fire at first,” he said.

“But then when I saw the helicopter I knew something bad must have happened.
“It's just awful.”

Pat Jeffares, councillor for Llangollen Rural, said: “It’s a sad time for everyone when things like this happen. I’d like to pass my condolences on to the family.”

A North Wales Police spokesman said: “At approximately 5.30pm on Wednesday evening North Wales Police and other emergency services attended in the river below the aqueduct in Trevor, near Llangollen where they recovered the body of a 67 year old man.”