Police arrest suspect after human remains found in London linked to body parts discovered in suitcase on bridge
Police have made an arrest in a grisly case after human remains in London were linked to body parts found inside a suitcase in Bristol.
They confirmed that armed officers from Avon and Somerset Police arrested a 24-year-old man at Temple Meads Station in the early hours of Saturday (13 July) morning.
The Metropolitan Police have said he will be taken to London later today for questioning.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: "This is a significant development in our investigation and I would like to thank the public for their support.
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"We understand the concerns of local communities in both Bristol and London and officers will remain in the Clifton and Shepherd’s Bush areas over the coming days to reassure those affected by this tragic incident.
"Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to speak with them."
Police had named a suspect in the case as Colombian man Yostin Andres Mosquera, aged 24, and as part of the investigation had released images of him to the public.
Officers in Bristol had been alerted on Wednesday (10 July) night to a man acting suspiciously on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, leaving behind a suitcase and disappearing from the scene before they could arrive.
A second suitcase was found nearby and they contained body parts with the victims believed to be two men.
Witnesses said that the man had arrived at the Clifton Suspension Bridge in a taxi with a suitcase that appeared to be leaking blood, and was claimed to have been chased off by a cyclist as he left the 'tatty' suitcase behind.
Police later confirmed that a taxi had been seized and the driver was helping officers with the investigation.
The body parts contained within the two suitcases were later connected to human remains found at a flat in Shepherd's Bush, West London.
Police officers found those remains on the Friday (12 July), and believe that both of the victims were known to Mosquera.
Officers cordoned off the area around the home and a helicopter was spotted flying above the property.
A 36-year-old man was arrested in Greenwich on that same day in connection with the investigation, but he was released without charge.
This is the latest in a series of cases where victims have been stuffed inside suitcases for their remains to be disposed of.
Speaking on previous cases, criminologist Dr Honor Doro Townshend had told LADbible that carrying out a 'suitcase murder' was usually a sign that the killer was 'doing everything that they can to get away with it'.
She explained that while this might be the thinking behind people who would try to dispose of their victims inside a suitcase, it was ultimately quite 'stupid' as many killers used cases belonging to them which left plenty of forensic evidence.
Anyone who has information is urged to call police on 101 quoting CAD 306/12JUL.
To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.
Joe Harker