Gardaí have launched an investigation following the discovery of a body in a canal in Co. Kildare.

The remains were found in a container in the Grand Canal at Ardclough Village at around 3.30pm.

A Garda spokesperson said the age and gender of the person are not known at this point. 

The scene is currently preserved pending a technical examination and the Office of the State Pathologist has been notified.

The body remains at the scene.