Few people have been left heartbroken by the apparent suicide of Ariel Castro, who held three women hostage for a decade in his Cleveland home.

Preliminary DNA results have confirmed that the man accused of kidnapping and raping three US woman had fathered the girl rescued with them this week.

Shocking details have emerged about the 10-year long kidnapping ordeal from which three young women were newly freed in Cleveland, US.

The internet has exploded with virtual cheers for a colourful dishwasher who helped three women, including Amanda Berry, flee a decade in captivity.