THE Oxford Canal is closed tonight north of Kidlington after a body was found in the water.

Police were called to the canal at Shipton-on-Cherwell shortly before 11am after boaters made the discovery of what is understood to be a woman in the water.

The canal was closed while police carry out their investigations and tonight spokesman Leo Tarring said it would remain shut until some point tomorrow morning.

Police refused to confirm the body was that of a woman. Her death is being treated as unexplained.