Remains of two men were in suitcases dumped at bridge

The remains of two men were in suitcases dumped at Clifton Suspension Bridge, police have said.

Officers were called to the bridge in Bristol shortly before midnight on Wednesday where the suitcases were discovered.

The Metropolitan Police is now leading the investigation and a crime scene is also in place at Shepherds Bush in London.

A photo of a man wanted in connection with the incident was released on Thursday, with Avon and Somerset Police confirming he travelled to Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday.

Anybody with information about the man’s whereabouts is urged to contact 999.

The discovery of human remains has “caused shock and deep concern across our communities”, Avon and Somerset Police’s acting Bristol commander, Vicks Hayward-Melen, said at a press conference earlier.

She added that “significant progress” had been made by the force over the last 36 hours, helped by more than 160 messages from members of the public offering information.

Forensic post-mortem examinations are still being carried out and the deceased are yet to be formally identified, Cdr Hayward-Melen said.

Although the investigation is being led by a different force, Avon and Somerset police officers will be carrying out increased patrols in Clifton and Leigh Woods.

A mobile police station is also located next to the suspension bridge.

A spokesperson from the Met Police said: “We recognise this has caused significant concern to residents in the Clifton area and will cause concern among those who live and work in West London.

“Extra officers will be on patrol in the area over the coming days and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them.”

It is believed the man wanted in connection with the incident had travelled to Clifton from London earlier on Wednesday, before taking a taxi to the suspension bridge where the suitcases were unloaded.

The taxi driver’s vehicle has been seized by police and the driver is helping officers.

The man, who is no longer believed to be in the Avon and Somerset Police area, is described by police as black with a beard and wearing a gold earring.

Officers said the suspect was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black trainers with thick white soles and had a black backpack.

The force added he left the bridge in the direction of Leigh Woods by the time officers arrived at the scene.

Joe Eastlake, who lives near the bridge, told the BBC: “The fact that this man that they’ve identified is still at large. I would’ve thought somebody could identify him quite easily.”

Local resident Sheetal said: “It’s not something that you hear about – it’s more like a movie.

“The suspension bridge is going to be different during the night.

“I feel a bit scared. I think no matter what area you live in, you always have to be aware of your surroundings.”

Barry Smith, who also lives nearby, said: “You don’t normally expect that around here.

“I think people were shocked and surprised that it happened so close to home.”

Kika Hedgecock works at Belle de Jour Florist in Clifton.

She has always felt safe in the area, but said the incident had left her feeling “shaken”.

“I still have goosebumps – I can’t imagine somebody who could do that.

“There’s no human compass in the person who has committed this crime,” she added.

There is an increased police presence in the area for “visible reassurance”, but officers said they are unaware of any current risk to the wider public.

Anybody who sees the man wanted in connection with the incident has been urged not to approach him.

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