‘Human remains’ have been found in suitcases in Bristol, police have confirmed

Body parts have been found in two suitcases by officers responding to a report a man was seen acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Officers were called at 11.57pm yesterday (Wednesday, July 10) after a man with a suitcase was seen in the area.

Police arrived at Clifton Suspension Bridge within ten minutes, but the man had already left the scene, leaving the suitcase behind. A second was found a short time later and police believe they both contained human remains.

Avon and Somerset Police has launched an investigation and locating the man and identifying the deceased is the priority.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said: "This is a very disturbing incident and I fully recognise the concern it will be causing our communities. The investigation is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team and involves specialist officers and staff from across our organisation.

"Our immediate priority is to locate the man who took the suitcases to the bridge, identify the deceased and inform their next of kin. Specialist officers are ready to provide them with any support they need.

She added: "An immediate search of the area was carried out by officers on the ground with the support of the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard following the discovery of the suitcases. These searches remain ongoing.

"Initial enquiries have established the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi. This vehicle has been seized and the driver is helping us with our enquiries.

"Specialist crime scene investigators are currently examining the bridge and surrounding area and the bridge will remain closed while these enquiries are conducted. A forensic postmortem examination will take place later today. These is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer."