COMMUNITY leaders in Linwood have called for police to step up patrols after a second body was pulled from the Black Cart Water within the space of two weeks.

At around 6.20pm on Saturday, a 41-year-old man was found in the water close to Kintyre Park.

That was after another man’s body was spotted in the river on Thursday, May 25, near to the entrance of the Riverside Path, opposite the Tesco garage on the A761.

Police cordoned off the area after the first incident for a couple of days and flowers and a Celtic shirt marked with ‘RIP Shaun’ have been left on some railings.

Both deaths are being treated as unexplained and officers have confirmed they do not believe either is suspicious.

However, Councillor Audrey Doig, who represents Linwood, wants to see an increased police presence in the area.

She said: “Like many of my constituents, I am very concerned about another body being found in the vicinity of the Linwood Lade, especially as it is so close to the popular Kintyre Park, where many children and families go.

“I think the community wardens and the police should step up their patrols in the Linwood Lade area and I urge all my constituents to pass on any information they may have to the police.”

Police have not revealed the identity of either man.

Cllr Alison Dowling, who also represents Linwood, said: “I am very concerned about this but have not managed to get much information about what happened in either instance.”

A police spokesman said: “Officers were called to the Black Cart Water in Linwood at around 6.20pm on Saturday following reports of a body in the water.

“The death is being treated as unexplained but is not suspicious.

“A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death.”