A BODY was found submerged in a Newport canal - sparking a major police investigation today.

The discovery was made just half a mile away from the Hollybush Avenue home of missing pensioner Marie Veronica Reynolds.

Mrs Reynolds, known as Veronica, was reported missing on August 13, 2002 and police have previously conducted a major search of the area.

But today they said they were keeping an "open mind" about whether the discovery of the body, in a waterway on private farmland, at 2.30pm yesterday is linked to Mrs Reynolds' disappearance.

Scientific and forensic experts were gathering evidence at the site between Bettws and Malpas today.

Gwent Police Inspector Paul Griffiths was at the scene. He said: "The landowner of a local farm found the body submerged in water and an investigation has now begun.

"We are keeping an open mind as to whether it is linked with the Veronica Reynolds disappearance."

He said a sub-aqua team from South Wales Police is also on site. Police cordoned off an area around the tree-lined canal and put officers on a bridge over it preventing passers-by from approaching the scene. It is not yet known whether the body is that of a man or a woman, but it is believed to have been in the water for some time.

The cause of death is not yet known and police are working to identify the body.

Natasha Roberts, 21, whose home overlooks the canal, said: "The police have been here all night with torches."

She said the bridge was used by children making their way to and from school in Bettws.

Jane Sutton, a 50-year-old retail manager, came back from work yesterday to find several police trucks, vans and cars near the canal. Mrs Sutton said the canal path can be treacherous in the dark.

She said: "I walk along there in the day but I wouldn't dream of doing so at night. It's too dangerous."