MANCHESTER – Manchester and Bedford firefighters responded to the Merrimack River just north of the Interstate 293 Friday shortly after 2 p.m. when a fisherman discovered the body of a woman on the banks of the river.

The man, fishing in a canoe, noticed something on the shore of the east side of the river and called authorities. Manchester Fire Engine 11 and Rescue 1 launched two boats from the Bedford side of the river. The body of a deceased female was on the ground in an area north of I-293 and behind Riverdale Avenue.

Manchester police detectives arrived at the scene and notified the New Hampshire Office of the Medical Examiner and New Hampshire Marine Patrol, and they also responded to the scene.

After investigating, and documenting the scene, MFD District Chief Gamache called the Hooksett Fire Department for their assistance with an off-road vehicle. Hooksett responded to Riverdale and Jay streets where they were able to access a gated trail to get close to the river.

The body was transported by firefighters to the opening of the trail where it was removed by a local funeral home.

It is unknown how long the body was there, the age or identity.

Manchester police are handling the investigation.