Human remains found in suitcases by Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge

A manhunt has been launched after two suitcases containing human remains were found at the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Police were called after a man with a suitcase was seen acting suspiciously on the bridge just before midnight on Wednesday. When officers arrived less than ten minutes later the man had left, leaving the suitcase behind.

A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later.

Avon and Somerset Police said their “immediate priority” was to locate the man and identify the human remains.

Initial inquiries established the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi, the force said.

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

The roads around the bridge, as well as surrounding footpaths, remain closed while investigators examine the area. They are expected to be closed all day.

The police helicopter was tracked over the bridge on Wednesday night.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “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 added that a post-mortem examination would take place later on Thursday.

Beth Cruse, our reporter at the scene, described seeing police officers man the Bristol side of the Suspension Bridge turning pedestrians away.

She said: “There are around three police officers manning this side of the bridge who can’t say anymore because internal communications are down.

“A helicopter is circling the area.”