Soap star finds man's body in van

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A Coronation Street actress has found a body in the back of a van in Greater Manchester.

Samia Smith, who plays Maria Connor in the soap, called police after seeing a 26-year-old dead man in a parked Vauxhall Combi in Sale on Sunday.

Greater Manchester Police said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

A spokeswoman for Coronation Street confirmed Ms Smith made the discovery, but said it was "a police matter".

It is believed a barking dog alerted Mrs Smith, who is heavily pregnant, and her husband Matthew to the van.

The van was parked at the junction of Hunston Road and Washway Road.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: "Inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the man's death are under way.

"His family are in the process of being informed."