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Severed Head: EastEnders Actress Identified

Wed, 12 September 2012 3:58PM

Police investigating the discovery of a human head have confirmed it is that of EastEnders actress Gemma McCluskie.

Detectives were able to confirm the identity after dental records were checked.

Police had been called out to reports of a body part found in the Regent's Canal, near Kingsland Road, N1 on Sunday.

Members of the public cleaning part of the canal at Kingsland Basin had removed a bag from the water and found it contained what was believed to be a human head.

On 6 March a torso was recovered from the canal. Following searches by Metropolitan Police Service divers, an arm was recovered from the canal on March 19. Further searches led to the discovery of two legs and an arm.

Ms McCluskie had been missing for a week after attending the opening of the new £650m Royal London Hospital in nearby Whitechapel.

During this time, friends launched extensive searches across east London in a bid to find her. Former EastEnders co-stars Natalie Cassidy and Brooke Kinsella both appealed on Twitter for help.

All of Gemma's body has now been recovered. A post-mortem examination at Poplar Mortuary was held on September 11 but was unable to establish the cause of death. 

There are ongoing searches of the canal for outstanding property in connection with the murder and an incident room has been opened at Barking under Acting Detective Chief Inspector John Nicholson from the HSCC.

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