Image of suspect released by police after human remains found in suitcases by Clifton Suspension Bridge
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Police have released an image of a suspect on the loose after human remains were found in two suitcases left by Clifton Suspension Bridge.
In a press conference, detectives from Avon and Somerset Police said the suspect was taken to the bridge by a taxi, and that the taxi driver is working with officers investigating the discovery. The vehicle has also been seized.
The suspect is described as black with a beard, wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket and black trainers with thick white soles. He also had a black backpack and was wearing a gold earring.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said the suspect set off in the direction of Leigh Woods after abandoning the suitcases.
She said the force’s “immediate priority is to locate the man who took the suitcases to the bridge, identify the deceased, and locate next of kin”.
“Specialist crime scene investigators are currently examining the bridge and surrounding area, and the bridge will remain closed while these inquiries are conducted,” she said.
Police searching woodland area near the bridge this evening
“At this stage we are not aware of any current risk he poses to the wider public. However, if anyone sees him, we advise them not to approach him and please do call 999 immediately.
“This is a very disturbing incident and I fully recognise the concern it will cause for all communities. We currently have an increased presence of officers in the area and I encourage anyone who has any concerns to please do speak with one of the team.”
Read more: What we know so far
A post-mortem examination is taking place on Thursday evening, with the police refusing to comment on questions about how many victims were found, and the age and sex of the human remains.
Police have been in contact with the family of missing man Jack O’Sullivan to “inform them of the incident” but said “no parallels are actively being drawn”.
The 23-year-old was last seen at about 3.15am on 2 March in the area of Brunel Lock Road and Brunel Way in Bristol.
Officers previously said they received reports of a man seen acting suspiciously on the bridge just before midnight on Wednesday.
Police arrived at the scene within 10 minutes – but the man had vanished, leaving a suitcase behind.
A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later, Avon and Somerset Police said.
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.
A police tent on Clifton Suspension Bridge, where suitcases containing what are believed to be body parts has been found
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, 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.”
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The Clifton Suspension Bridge has been closed today due to the police activity.
The Grade I listed landmark, which spans the Avon Gorge, was designed by noted Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864.
