The suspect detained in connection with the disappearance of 15-year-old Malini Persad is now dead.

Named as 52-year-old Vinod Kothai, he was held on Thursday by police officers.

103.1FM News understands Kothai was due to be interviewed this morning, however shortly after 8am, he was found hanging from the neck in a cell at the Barrackpore police station.

A body believed to be the missing teenager was found in Barrackpore on Thursday.

According to reports, DNA testing will be done to officially confirm an ID.

An autopsy will also take place next week.

This story has been updated.