Disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein kills self in prison cell

The wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein, indicted on charges of trafficking underage girls for sex, committed suicide in prison, US media reported on Saturday.

Epstein, who had hobnobbed with politicians and celebrities over the years and was already a convicted sex offender, hanged himself in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and his body was found around 7:30 a.m. local time, The New York Times and other media said, quoting officials.

Epstein, who had been denied a bail last month, had apparently attempted suicide last month too and was found unconscious inside his cell with marks on his neck.

The hedge fund manager was denied bail in late July after appearing at a New York court charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He denied the charges and had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted.

The Metropolitan Correction Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that is often used to house suspects awaiting or during trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US.

Epstein was often seen socialising with the rich and powerful.