Police launched a murder hunt today (Mon) after the dismembered body of a middle-aged man was found floating in a canal.

Horrified passers-by spotted the torso and head of Winai Jaisaen, 49, floating in the water in a busy part of Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday afternoon.

Rescuer's fished out the body - which had a deep stab wound in the chest - before a thigh was recovered yesterday.

Police divers today hauled a left foot from the water as officers used fingerprints to identify the man.

They believe he had been in the water for three to four days before being discovered at the weekend.

Police have now launched an investigation into the suspected murder and dismemberment in the Hua Mak district of the city.

Police Colonel Suriya Nakkaew said the victim was a large-built, short-haired, bearded man in his late 40s.

He said: ''We believe he had a disagreement with another person and was killed then thrown into the water. Initially we believed that he may have fallen into the water and been hit by a boat propeller, but we believe now he was murdered.

''Police are checking CCTV and contacting his family and other people who knew him in order to identify suspects.''

Police chief Chakthip Chaijinda said that officers were being ordered to find the suspected killer in order to re-assure the public.

He added: ''Forensics teams are working closely with detectives for any clues.

''We believe that the man was from a neighbouring province and had been working in Bangkok.''