Pic: Metropolitan Police Service

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in relation to a torso found floating in Regents Canal, which may be that of missing actress Gemma McCluskie.

Sky News and BBC News have reported that the suspect, who is currently being held at an east London police station, is Gemma’s brother, Tony McCluskie. However police have not confirmed this.

A member of the public contacted the police on Tuesday afternoon when they noticed something suspicious floating in the water.

Scotland Yard believe they know the identity of the victim but are awaiting formal identification from further forensic tests.

Additional searches are due to be carried out in the water by divers from the Meropolitan Police Service Marine Support Unit.

McCluskie, 29, who starred as Kerry Skinner in 2001, disappeared from Bethnal Green, east London, last week.

Family and friends have been searching across east London and handing out missing person posters.

McCluskie’s former co-stars Natalie Cassidy and Brooke Kinsella both appealed for help on Twitter to find her.

Cassidy, who played Sonia Jackson in the soap, also posted on the website: “Gemma Mcluskie, missing since Thurs, if u have sn her/have any info PLS contact @CarlyKarma … #FindGemma.”

McCluskie appeared on EastEnders for 30 episodes.

Detective Inspector John Nicholson, who is leading the murder inquiry, has appealed for witnesses.

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the Regents Canal area in Hackney, or who has any information, should call the Incident Room on 020 8345 3985. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.