Two suitcases containing human remains found sparks manhunt

Two suitcases believed to contain human remains have been found by police who were called to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Officers were called to the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday (10 July) and arrived at the scene within ten minutes, but the man had already left, leaving the suitcase behind.

A second suitcase was found nearby not long after.

The busy bridge links Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said of the discovery: "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.

"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."

She continued: "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 post mortem examination will take place later today.

"There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer."

Avon and Somerset Police have also released a statement on X.

It reads: "At 11.57pm yesterday (Wed 10 July) we received a report of a man with a suitcase acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge.

"Officers arrived at the bridge within 10 minutes, but the man had already left the area, leaving the suitcase behind.

"A second suitcase was located nearby a short time later.

"Sadly, it's believed the suitcases contain human remains.

"Our Major Crime Investigation Team has launched an investigation. Locating the man who left the suitcases and identifying the deceased are our priorities.

"If you have any information which could help our investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5224180010."