LONDON (AP) — British police searching for a missing former soap opera actress have pulled a woman’s torso from a London canal.

Police say the headless and limbless body was found in Regent’s Canal, near east London’s hip Broadway Market area, after a passer-by spotted something in the water.

London police also said Wednesday that detectives believe they know the identity of the victim but are awaiting forensic confirmation.
British media said detectives suspect the remains found Tuesday are those of Gemma McCluskie, who has been missing since last week. McCluskie starred on the popular soap “EastEnders” in 2001.

Police say a 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the inquiry.

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

Scotland Yard said it knew the victim’s identity but was awaiting results of further forensic tests before formal identification.

Family and friends have been carrying out searches across east London and handing out missing person posters.
Gemma McCluskie appeared in the BBC One soap in 2001.

Her former co-stars Natalie Cassidy and Brooke Kinsella have both appealed for help on Twitter to find her.

Ms 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.”

A post-mortem examination on the body is due to take place at Poplar Mortuary later.