Manhunt after 'human remains' found in suitcases left on bridge

A manhunt is currently underway in Bristol after two suitcases containing human remains were discovered at Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Officers were called to the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday (10 July) and arrived within ten minutes, the man had already left the scene by this point but officers recovered the first suitcase.

A second suitcase was later recovered by police a short time later, with both cases believed to contain human remains.

Confirming the further details about incident in a statement on social media, Avon and Somerset police said: “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."

A postmortem of the remains will take place later today.

The bridge connects Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset. (Getty Stock Images)

The post went on to add that a major investigation is now underway, with priorities now on locating the man and identifying the deceased."

"This is a very disturbing incident and I fully recognise the concern it will be causing our communities," Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen added.

"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 went on to add that initial enquiries had established that a man was 'taken to the bridge in a taxi'.

The vehicle in question has now been seized and the driver is assisting police with enquiries.

The area has now been cordoned off by police. (BBC)

"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.”

The BBC added that it understands that the roads on the bridge as well as the surrounding footpaths are expected to remain closed for the rest of the day while police examine the area.

The statement went on to urge anyone with information to get in contact with the police, adding: "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 our investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5224180010.”