Two suitcases feared to contain human remains have been found by officers in a ‘disturbing incident’ – as police launch a manhunt to find the person who left them there.
Officers were called to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol just before midnight after onlookers said they saw a man acting suspiciously.
When they arrived ten minutes later, they discovered two suitcases set down next to each other.
Inside they made the horrifying discovery of what is believed to be human remains in both of them.
Police are now hunting the man who left the suitcases on the bridge after he fled the scene before officers arrived.
Aerial photos from today a white forensics tent set up on one side of Clifton Suspension Bridge as police carry out their investigations.
Officers were called to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol (pictured) shortly before 12am yesterday
The bridge has been closed in both directions since 6.30am, with forensics investigators in white suits seen working behind a police cordon
An aerial shot of a forensic tent on the Clifton Suspension Bridge on July 11
Police at the scene near Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, today
The Clifton Suspension Bridge, which links Bristol to Somerset, is to remain closed all day due to the police incident. Pictured is the road leading to the bridge today
An aerial shot of a forensic tent on the Clifton Suspension Bridge on July 11
The incident has sparked a massive emergency response, with helicopters and the coastguard scouring the area.
The suspect travelled to the bridge in a taxi, which has since been seized, and the driver is assisting the force with their enquiries.
A forensic postmortem examination of the deceased will take place later today.
The bridge, a Grade I listed landmark, spans the Avon Gorge and was designed by noted Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, opening in 1864.
It has been closed in both directions since 6.30am, with forensics investigators in white suits seen working behind a police cordon.
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, said she was ‘deeply disturbed’ by the discovery of human remains in two suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge and thanked the police for their ‘swift action’.
The Green Party co-leader posted on X: ‘I am deeply disturbed by the horrifying discovery of human remains at Clifton Suspension Bridge overnight.
‘Distressing events like this are unsettling for all of us who call Bristol home and are proud of our city.
‘Thank you @ASPolice for your swift action. I am in contact with authorities and will do anything I can to support a swift and thorough investigation.’
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.
A forensics officer seen collecting evidence at the scene in Bristol today
The incident has sparked a massive emergency response. Pictured is the scene today
Police at the scene near Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, where a manhunt has been launched following the discovery of the two suitcasea
The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the Avon Gorge and the River Avon, linking Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset and is a Grade I listed building
‘Specialist Officers are ready to provide the with any support they need.
‘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.’
Specialist crime scene investigators are at the scene, with the landmark bridge remaining shut as they examine the area.
The police spokesperson added: ‘There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.’
If you have any information which could help the police investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5224180010.
