POLICE have launched a national appeal in a bid to piece together the final movements of a Canadian man who was found dead in a canal in Manchester.

The body of Anthony Muise, 53, from Ontario, was found at about 4.30pm on February 24 in the canal near Trafford Park’s Imperial War Museum.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died from a single puncture wound to the chest and his death is being treated as unexplained.

Mr Muise arrived in Britain in June 2009 and spent seven months travelling around the UK in places such as Edinburgh, London and North Yorkshire, staying in hostels and hotels, before arriving in Manchester on January 19.

He was gay and is known to have socialised in Manchester’s Gay Village.

An attack in 2008 had left Mr Muise believing he had a degenerative brain condition, and had been feeling depressed.

Greater Manchester Police officers are appealing for anyone who knew about Mr Muise and his “acquaintances, relationships and movements.”

Anyone with information should call 0161 8561722 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.