Yahoo News Clifton Suspension Bridge latest: Man arrested after hunt for Bristol suitcase suspect as more remains found
A man has been arrested in Bristol in connection with the discovery of human remains in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Police are now no longer looking for anyone else after detaining the 34-year-old in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Forensic officers were seen going in and out of a property in Shepherd’s Bush, West London on Friday after more human remains were found.
It is believed that the remains in London are connected to those found in Bristol, and that there are still two male victims. Police think that the suspect travelled from London to Bristol on Wednesday, just before the suitcases were found.
Another man, 36, was arrested in Greenwich, London in connection with the discovery on Friday but they have now been released without charge.
Met Police’s 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.”
Key Points
Breaking: Police arrest man, 34, in Bristol
More human remains found during search of London flat
Taxi under investigation after man dumps suitcases
Eyewitness saw man being chased by cyclist as he ran from bridge staff
Timeline of the investigation so far
Watch: Police investigate the scene where human remains were found in Shepherd’s Bush
16:48 , Holly Bancroft
Police cordon off bins near London property
15:15 , Holly Bancroft
Police officers have set up a crime scene around a flat in Shepherd’s Bush, west London as part of their investigation into the discovery of human remains in Bristol.
Forensic officers were seen at the front of the property on Saturday morning and some bins are also shown to be cordoned off nearby.
One used a camera to take photographs of the area, while other investigators worked near a set of bins outside an estate just off Scotts Road.
Three police vehicles were used to block the view from beyond the cordon.
Metropolitan Police statement about Bristol arrest: In full
13:28 , Holly Bancroft
The Metropolitan Police have released a statement following the arrest of a 34-year-old man in Bristol after human remains were found in two suitcases.
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.
“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.”
Anyone who has information is urged to call police on 101 quoting CAD 306/12JUL. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.
Timeline of the investigation so far
12:33 , Holly Bancroft
Wednesday, July 10
Suspect travels from London to Bristol.
11.57pm - Avon and Somerset Police are contacted with reports of a man acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Police arrive within 10 minutes but the suspect has fled. Two suitcases are located near the bridge. Witnesses say they saw one of the suitcases leaking blood. Another passer-by, who was apparently roped in to help lift the luggage, reportedly joked that the suitcases had bodies inside because they felt so heavy.
Thursday, July 11
12.52pm - Police release first statement saying that they have discovered human remains in suitcases in Bristol. They have launced a search for the man who took the suitcases to the bridge and will identify the deceased.
Police then release a CCTV image of a man that they wish to speak to in connection to the incident.
Friday, July 12
Police begin searching a property in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, and a crime scene is erected near the home.
Officers confirm that the human remains are of two adult men and the Metropolitan Police take the lead on the investigation.
A 36-year-old man is arrested in Greenwich, south east London but he is released without charge. Police reveal that further human remains have been discovered at the Shepherd’s Bush flat.
Officers then name the man they are searching for.
Saturday, July 13
A heavy police presence is maintained at the Shepherd’s Bush property and more forensic officers are pictured at the scene.
Police say that in the early hours of Saturday morning armed officers with Avon and Somerset Police arrested a 34-year-old man in Bristol. The Metropolitan police say they are now no longer looking for anyone in connection with the incident and that the suspect will be brought to London later on Saturday for questioning.
Bristol: Everything we know as human remains found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge
11:36 , Holly Bancroft
Now a 34-year-old man has been arrested after the discovery of human remains at Clifton Suspension Bridge, here is a re-cap of everything we know so far:
The man was detained by armed officers in the early hours of Saturday morning. It comes after police were called to the scene at 11.57pm on Wednesday 10 July after a man was seen acting suspiciously on the bridge.
A man and a woman reportedly helped the suspect lift the suitcases along the bridge, with the woman apparently joking that they were so heavy there could be bodies inside.
Bristol: Everything we know as human remains found in suitcases at city bridge
Clarification from Met Police over suspect’s age
11:10 , Holly Bancroft
The Metropolitan Police have said that the man who has been arrested in connection with the human remains discovery is aged 34, not 24 as they previously stated.
They are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
New pictures of police at West London property
10:42 , Holly Bancroft
Forensic officers were seen at a property in Shepherd’s Bush on Saturday morning as they continue to investigate the discovery of human remains in Bristol and London.
New pictures from this morning show renewed police activity at the property. Police have said they found further human remains in London after two bodies were found in suitcases near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
A 34-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with the incident.
What do we know about the London property at the centre of police investigations?
09:19 , Holly Bancroft
Police have been pictured searching a property in West London as part of their investigation into the discovery of two bodies in suitcases in Bristol.
Forensic officers have been at the address and an area of bins near the property has been cordoned off.
On Friday afternoon, a private ambulance arrived at the scene and a helicopter was seen circling above.
Neighbours have named the men who lived at the address in Scotts Road as Paul and Albert. Police would not confirm whether the address was linked to the suspect or the victims.
Breaking: Police arrest man, 34, in Bristol
09:08 , Holly Bancroft
A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the discovery of human remains in suitcases in Bristol.
The man was arrested in the Bristol area in the early hours of Saturday. He has now been taken into custody by Avon and Somerset Police and will be taken to London later today for questioning.
Police are now not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
The Metropolitan Police have been working with Avon and Somerset Police in a joint operation.
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.
“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.”
Forensic officers seen at a property in Shepherd’s Bush
08:51 , Holly Bancroft
Forensic officers were seen going in and out of a property in Shepherd’s Bush, West London on Friday. On Friday afternoon, a helicopter was seen circling above Scotts Road, where officers cordoned off an area of bins below a high-rise building.
There is still a strong police presence in the street today.
Here are some pictures from the scene yesterday:
What do we know so far?
08:32 , Holly Bancroft
If you are just joining our coverage of the police search for Yostin Andres Mosquera, this is what we know so far:
- Two suitcases containing human remains were found near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
- The police have said they are looking for a 34-year-old Columbian national, Yostin Andres Mosquera in connection with the discovery.
- The remains are believed to be those of two male victims.
- Since the discovery in Bristol, police have found further human remains, of the same people, during a search of a property in west London.
- A man was arrested in Greenwich, London on Friday but has been released without charge.
- Witnesses described seeing blood leaking out of one of the suitcases, which was blue and had two wheels broken off.
- The suspect was taken to Clifton Suspension Bridge with the two suitcases by taxi on Wednesday.
- The police believe that the suspect had travelled to the Clifton area of Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday.
- A crime scene is in place in Shepherd’s Bush in West London.
- The suspect has been described as Black, with a beard. He was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket and a black backpack. He was also wearing a gold earing.
- Both of the victims are thought to be known to Mosquera.
‘These are heavy what’s in them bodies?’ Passer-by jokes with suspects ‘carrying bloody suitcases' across bridge
07:00 , Barney Davis
Giles Malone told LBC another women, who appeared to be a passerby, joked with the suspects about what was inside the “tatty suitcases” found later to be containing human remains.
“Another lady started to help them and the lady who was helping them said ‘these are the heaviest suitcases I’ve ever lifted. What’s in them? bodies?
“We sort of semi-joked about it but they didn’t say anything.”
Both cases contain what is believed to be human remains, police said.
He described the bags as “old, tatty suitcases - two big ones”, and identified one of the men as “African-American” and the other as “white”.
He added: “I was coming across the bridge to go up to Long Ashton and my dad says [it was closed] because there was national news about some suitcases found.
“I immediately looked at my wife and said ‘I wonder if that’s a coincidence from last night’.”
Witness describes suspect being chased
05:18 , Barney Davis
University of Bristol student Reece Wright told the BBC he had been walking near the bridge with his girlfriend on Wednesday evening.
“As we were walking along and got towards the other end, we thought we could see blood on the pavement of the bridge,” Mr Wright said.
“As we kept walking further along, we went down and turned and heard commotion behind us and we saw a cyclist chasing after a man who was just running away.
“He was making a lot of noise. They stopped and the guy managed to get away.”
Mr Wright said one of the suitcases, which was blue, had two wheels broken off and “red stuff which we now know to be blood leaking out of the side near the zip, it was quite graphic”.
Suspect chased off by cyclist after ‘tatty’ suitcases found on Clifton Suspension Bridge
03:18 , Barney Davis
Witnesses have described how the man, who arrived at the bridge in a taxi, was challenged after the “tatty” suitcase was seen to be leaking blood.
He left the scene, reportedly chased by a cyclist, and made off in the direction of Leigh Woods, leaving the suitcase behind.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and discovered that the suitcase, along with a second located a short distance from the bridge, contained human remains.
Searches, including with the police helicopter and the Coastguard, have continued since the incident but the suspect is yet to be located.
Full statement from Avon and Somerset as search handed to Met
01:18 , Barney Davis
Please see the statement below which provides an update on the police investigation following the discovery of human remains at the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
An accessible version of the statement is available here: https://t.co/YnQLFpvAlg pic.twitter.com/XB3Ry6L3l2— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) July 12, 2024
More remains found during search of flat in London
Saturday 13 July 2024 00:17 , Tom Barnes
More human remains have been discovered during a search of a property in west London in connection with the investigation into bodies found near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Friday evening that officers had found additional remains while searching a flat in Scotts Road, Shepherds Bush.
Police believe the latest body parts are from the same two male victims discovered in Bristol and that the men are thought to have been known to Mosquera.
The force said it believes it knows the identity of the two men, although formal identification is yet to take place.
Breaking: Police name suitcase bodies suspect
Friday 12 July 2024 23:49 , Tom Barnes
Police searching for a man in connection with two bodies found in suitcases in Bristol have named the suspect as Yostin Andres Mosquera.
Detectives, who previously released an image of the suspect, say they have now identified him as Mosquera, a 24-year-old Columbian national.
Met Police deputy assistant commissioner Andy Valentine said: “This is a fast moving enquiry with detectives in London and Bristol actively pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.
“Locating Yostin Andres Mosquera, however, is the priority and I appeal to anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in touch.”
Suspect flashes gold earring in new picture released by Met
Friday 12 July 2024 23:20 , Barney Davis
Church opens doors for people to find calm after horror discovery
Friday 12 July 2024 22:10 , Barney Davis
Leigh Woods & Abbots Leigh Parish Church said in a statement posted to Facebook: “We in the parish were so shocked and sad to hear about the incident involving the human remains in the suitcase on Clifton Suspension Bridge.
“If you or anyone you know would like to pray and light a candle, our church of St Mary’s Leigh Woods will be open to all on Sunday 14th July between 12.30 - 2.30.
“All will be very welcome to come and find calm within these walls. Please share this with anyone you think might wish to call in. Thank you.”
Friday 12 July 2024 21:41 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A man has been arrested in London after human remains were found in two suitcases near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, the Metropolitan Police said.
The 36-year-old is “not the same man” who is the subject of an ongoing police appeal, the force added.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “A man, aged 36, was arrested at an address in Greenwich early on Friday 12 July.
“He has been taken into custody where he remains. This is not the same man we are appealing for.”
Friday 12 July 2024 21:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A private ambulance arrived at the scene in Shepherd’s Bush at 6.30pm.
Local’s horror at grim discovery
Friday 12 July 2024 21:20 , Barney Davis
Local Michael Mulcahy, 57, said it was worrying that such a gruesome crime had happened so close to the Georgian suburb of Clifton, famed for its well-heeled businesses.
He told MailOnline: “It’s horrific to think someone has been chopped up and put in a suitcase.
“I think the guy must have gone there with the intention of chucking them over the side of the bridge.
“But those safety rails are very high - it would take some effort to pitch a heavy suitcase over the top.”
Reporter Alex Ross traces the last known steps of the Clifton Suspension Bridge suspect
Friday 12 July 2024 20:10 , Barney Davis
Watch: Police release image of suspect after human remains found at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Friday 12 July 2024 20:10 , Barney Davis
Taxi under investigation after man dumps suitcases
Friday 12 July 2024 19:10 , Barney Davis
A taxi - believed to be a blue Hackney cab - is now undergoing a forensic examination while the driver is helping police in their bid to identify the man.
On Thursday, police issued a photograph of the wanted man who is black and was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap and black trainers with thick white soles. He had a gold earring and was carrying a black backpack.
He is believed to have left the bridge in the direction of Leigh Woods with one witness saying he was pursued by a cyclist.
Witness Giles Malone told LBC a women joked with the suspects about what was inside the “tatty suitcases” found later to be containing human remains.
“Another lady started to help them and the lady who was helping them said ‘these are the heaviest suitcases I’ve ever lifted. What’s in them? bodies?
“We sort of semi-joked about it but they didn’t say anything.”
Helicopter seen circling above crime scene in Shepherd’s Bush
Friday 12 July 2024 16:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A helicopter was circling above the crime scene in Scott’s Road on Friday afternoon in Shepherd’s Bush, as four police officers guarded tape which cordoned off an area of bins below a high-rise building.
Anthony Priest, 85, a resident of the Scott’s Road area in Shepherd’s Bush, said: “I heard them all tearing down here in the early hours of the morning.
“I heard a police car coming down, with lights flashing.
“It must have been about half past three.”
Bristol Commander says search for suspect now in hands of Met Police
Friday 12 July 2024 15:44 , Barney Davis
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen told the press conference on Friday afternoon: “The search for the man we released photos of yesterday is now being led by the Met Police.
“There is no information to suggest he remains in the Avon and Somerset area.
“He’s described as Black, with a beard. He was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap with a white motif, black jeans, a black jacket with a motif on the chest and black trainers with thick white soles.
“He is also to believed to have been wearing a gold earring and was carrying a black backpack.
“We would urge anyone who does see him to not approach him and instead call 999.”
More than 160 tips handed to police
Friday 12 July 2024 15:33 , Barney Davis
The public have been warned not to approach the suspect.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is leading the investigation for the Met, said: “Over the last 48 hours we have been working extremely closely with colleagues from Avon and Somerset. This work leads us to believe the man we need to speak to travelled to Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday evening (10 July).
“We are drawing on resources from across the Met to find and apprehend the suspect and I would urge anyone who believes they see him, or who knows of his whereabouts, to call 999 straight away. Do not approach him.
“We recognise this has caused significant concern to residents in the Clifton area and will cause concern among those who live and work in West London.
“Extra officers will be on patrol in the area over the coming days and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them.”
A second-post mortem is being carried out
Friday 12 July 2024 15:32 , Barney Davis
Bodies not formally identified and they are still searching for next-of-kin, Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said at a press conference.
She said “it was a priority” to locate the next of kin of the two victims.
There are no suggestions the suspects remains in the Avon and Somerset police area.
Suspect travelled to Bristol from London, police say
Friday 12 July 2024 15:23 , Barney Davis
Avon and Somerset and the Met suggest that the man wanted in connection with the incident had travelled to Bristol from London earlier the same day.
A crime scene is in place at a location in Shepherds Bush and the Met have taken over the manhunt to find the suspect.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is leading the investigation for the Met, said: “Over the last 48 hours we have been working extremely closely with colleagues from Avon and Somerset. This work leads us to believe the man we need to speak to travelled to Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday evening (10 July).
“We are drawing on resources from across the Met to find and apprehend the suspect and I would urge anyone who believes they see him, or who knows of his whereabouts, to call 999 straight away. Do not approach him.
“We recognise this has caused significant concern to residents in the Clifton area and will cause concern among those who live and work in West London.
“Extra officers will be on patrol in the area over the coming days and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them.”
One post-mortem examination has been carried out. This was inconclusive and further tests will be carried out. A second post-mortem remains ongoing.
At this stage, the victims have not been formally identified but both are believed to be adult men.
Remains believed to belong to two different men as Met Police take over investigation
Friday 12 July 2024 15:21 , Barney Davis
The human remains found in two suitcases near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol are believed to be those of two adult men, the Metropolitan Police said, as the force announced its officers have taken over the manhunt to find the suspect.
Post-mortem on remains still ongoing
Friday 12 July 2024 15:08 , Barney Davis
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen has said that the post-mortem examination of the human remains found in Bristol continued this morning.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The process is complex and lengthy, working with the forensic pathologist. It’s still ongoing at this time.”
She also confirmed that the suspect was still at large: “We’re still looking for him to speak with him about his presence on the bridge and the matters leading up to the suitcases being located. With regard to the officers and the initial attendance and then what they found inside, clearly a really horrendous discovery for them and we’re making sure we continue to support them.”
Everything we know as human remains found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Friday 12 July 2024 14:10 , Barney Davis
A manhunt is underway in Bristol after two suitcases containing human remains were found on Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Albert Toth brings us the latest:
Bristol: Everything we know as human remains found in suitcases at city bridge
Last spot suspect was seen visited by The Independent
Friday 12 July 2024 11:55 , Barney Davis
Police have been scouring the area asking locals in Burwalls Road for CCTV as the hunt continues for the suspect.
Police urge public to call 999 if they spot man in image
Friday 12 July 2024 10:47 , Barney Davis
With no arrests overnight, police are reiterating their calls for the public to get in touch urgently with any sightings of a suspect after two suitcases of human remains were found on Clifton Suspension Bridge.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: “We continue to ask anyone who sees the man, in the image released yesterday, to call 999.”
A manhunt was launched after officers were called to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously at the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday.
Officers arrived within ten minutes, but the man had already left the scene, leaving a suitcase behind. A second suitcase was found nearby.
In Pictures: Clifton Suspension Bridge fully back open on Friday morning
Friday 12 July 2024 09:43 , Barney Davis
Alex Ross reports from the scene that Clifton Suspension Bridge is fully back open to the public today.
Visitors would be forgiven for not knowing about the incident on Wednesday night given there is no sign of police presence at the site anymore.
The forensic tent near the Clifton Suspension Bridge visitor centre on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge is gone, and no officers are stationed there.
The suspect headed toward Leigh Woods, but there was no obvious police presence there.
We know police were scouring CCTV last night so potentially the search has moved on to a new location.
MP says she is ‘deeply disturbed’ by grim discovery
Friday 12 July 2024 09:31 , Barney Davis
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, said she was “deeply disturbed” by the discovery of human remains in two suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge and thanked the police for their “swift action”.
The Green Party co-leader 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.”
‘A very disturbing incident'
Friday 12 July 2024 05:00 , Alex Ross
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “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.
“Specialist officers are ready to provide them with any support they need.”
‘No parallels actively being drawn’ with Jack O’Sullivan disappearance
Friday 12 July 2024 03:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Police have been in contact with the family of 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 March 2 in the area of Brunel Lock Road and Brunel Way in Bristol.
Police helicopter and Coastguard helping force to locate man
Friday 12 July 2024 01:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A police helicopter and the Coastguard are helping the force locate the man, who was taken to the bridge in a taxi.
The picture released by police shows a black man with a beard, wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black trainers with thick white soles and had a black backpack.
The force have urged people not to approach him and call 999 if he is sighted, but have said they are unaware of any current risk to the wider public.
Man ‘taken to bridge in a taxi,’ police say
Friday 12 July 2024 00:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Police said they have established that “the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi”.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said in a statement: “This vehicle has been seized and the driver is helping us with our enquiries”.
Locating man and identifying human remains are ‘immediate priority’
Thursday 11 July 2024 23:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Avon and Somerset Police said their “immediate priority” was to locate the man and identify the human remains.
Officers were called to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously at the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday.
They arrived at the scene within ten minutes, but the man had already left the scene leaving the suitcase behind. A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later.
Bristol: Everything we know as ‘human remains’ found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Thursday 11 July 2024 22:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Bristol: Everything we know as ‘human remains’ found in suitcases at city bridge
Image of suspect issued after suitcases with human remains found at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Thursday 11 July 2024 21:59 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Police have released two images of a man they are searching for after two suitcases containing human remains were found on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police said they are still trying to identify the bearded man wearing a black cap in the pictures issued to the media on Thursday afternoon.
The forced launched a manhunt after officers were called to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously at the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday.
Bridge staff raised alarm after seeing blood leak from suitcase
Thursday 11 July 2024 21:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A neighbour told The Independent one suitcase was dumped on the bridge, with a second left in the bushes nearby, Amy-Clare Martin reports.
The local said bridge security staff raised the alarm after they saw blood coming out of the case.
Eyewitness saw man being chased by cyclist as he ran from bridge staff
Thursday 11 July 2024 20:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
An eyewitness said they saw a man being chased by a cyclist on Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday evening.
The person, who wished to remain anonymous, said they saw the man run down Burwalls, a residential lane leading to Rownham Hill.
They said there were two suitcases: the one left on the bridge appeared to have blood leaking from it, while the other suitcase was on the road just after the bridge on the Leigh Woods side.
The eyewitness added that the man who ran off was shouting in Spanish.
They told Bristol Live: “There was blood on the floor along the bridge.
“The man who had the cases ran from the bridge staff and I saw him being chased by a member of the public on a bike - he was shouting something in Spanish.”
Suitcases found ‘containing human remains’ at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Thursday 11 July 2024 20:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A manhunt has been launched after two suitcases filled with human remains were left at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Police said they were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously at the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday.
Officers arrived within ten minutes but the man had already left, leaving a suitcase behind. A second suitcase was located a short while later.
Suitcases found ‘containing human remains’ at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Bristol: Everything we know as ‘human remains’ found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A manhunt is underway in Bristol after two suitcases believed to be containing human remains were found on Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to the scene at 11.57pm on Wednesday 10 July after a man was seen acting suspiciously on the bridge.
Arriving ten minutes later, officers said the man had fled and is suspected to have left behind a suitcase. A second suitcase with similar contents was found nearby after a short search of the area.
Bristol: Everything we know as ‘human remains’ found in suitcases at city bridge
What do we know so far?
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The press conference brought us a CCTV picture of the man wanted by police as the search continues for the man, last seen 16 hours ago fleeing the Clifton suspension bridge toward Leigh Woods, Alex Ross reports.
Acting Bristol commander Vicks Hayward-Melen was keen to remind people to call 999 if the man is seen.
Search operations remain in the Bristol area and the taxi driver who dropped the man off continues to assist officers. The taxi has been seized.
As for the human remains, the postmortem is not yet complete, so the person has not been identified, or sex or age given.
The family of Jack O’Sullivan, who went missing over four months ago, has been contacted, but there are no active parallels to the case we were told.
Finally, police officers who responded to the incident last night have been offered support due to the disturbing nature of the incident.
‘We are all watching this with interest'
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:01 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
This is a case of huge interest in Bristol and there were dozens of members of the public who watched the press conference at the bridge, Alex Ross reports from the scene.
Among them was a man who lives near the Leigh Woods side of the bridge.
“I heard the helicopter over us last night after the football then woke up this morning to see the news on the human remains,” he said.
“What I find strange was we had no knock at the door from the police, or searches of our properties. He could’ve been hiding in a shed.
“We are all watching this with interest.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Alex Ross reports from the scene in Bristol:
We’ve just heard from police that the search for the suspect is continuing, as a picture of the wanted man was held on a piece of paper to watching members of the press.
After the cameras had rolled, acting Bristol commander Vicks Hayward-Melen told me that the search was contained to Bristol at this stage - although it has to be said that searching officers can not be seen on the Clifton side of the bridge.
I understand that a large part of the search is scouring CCTV of the area, but there are still teams searching on the ground for the man.
Police still ‘working out’ who suspect is
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:17 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Avon and Somerset Police said they were still “working out” who the suspect is.
A police helicopter and the Coastguard are helping the force locate the man, who was taken to the bridge in a taxi.
The picture released by police shows a black man with a beard, wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black trainers with thick white soles and had a black backpack.
The force have urged people not to approach him and call 999 if he is sighted, but have said they are unaware of any current risk to the wider public.
Image of suspect released
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
In a press conference at the scene in Bristol, police released an image of the man they are searching for after two suitcases believed to contain human remains were found at Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Acting Bristol commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said the man left in the direction of Leigh Woods.
People gather by Clifton Suspension Bridge
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Alex Ross reports from Bristol:
Several people have gathered on the grass bank on the Clifton side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge intrigued over the press activity as we wait for the police press conference.
Daniel Heppner was in Bristol for a day from London with a friend, and went to see the bridge when he discovered it was closed.
He’s now waiting to hear what the police say as we expect an update on the investigation.
The 26-year-old said: “It is alarming that he hasn’t been found yet from what we know, and it’s very strange, what with him leaving suitcases like this.
“It feels like there is a lot more to this story than we know currently. I expect we’ll find out soon.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:27 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
As we wait for Avon and Somerset Police to give a press conference, it’s relatively peaceful here with the road over the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which carries around 11,000 vehicles each day, empty, Alex Ross reports from Bristol.
Police are stationed at tape either side of the bridge which links Clifton with Leigh Woods, taking pedestrians, cyclists and cars over the River Avon.
When the manhunt started there were searches of the area by police officers on the ground, as well as the national police air service and HM Coastguard.
But there is no sign of a search taking place here now.A white tent can be seen on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge outside the Clifton Suspension Bridge visitor centre.
Reports from an eye witness suggest the man fled on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge. As far as we know, he’s not been caught.
Questions for the police at the press conference will be where is the search taking place and have the human remains been identified.
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our reporter Alex Ross is on the scene near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol:
It has now been 15 hours since police received reports of a man with a suitcase behaving suspiciously on the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
When officers arrived, he had fled leaving a suitcase behind. A second suitcase was found a short time later.
Both cases are believed to have contained human remains. The bridge is still shut with a white forensic tent on the Leigh Woods side of the iconic bridge.
Forensic officers appear to no longer be here and police officers are here to guard the cordons at both ends of the bridge.
It is warm and the grass banks either side of the bridge on the Clifton side are filled with people sunbathing while the road leading to the bridge, usually busy with cars at this time of day, is empty.
MP for Bristol Central ‘deeply disturbed’ by discovery of human remains in suitcases
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, said she was “deeply disturbed” by the discovery of human remains in two suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge and thanked the police for their “swift action”.
The Green Party co-leader 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.”
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… https://t.co/pL6OtY9CVy— Carla Denyer (@carla_denyer) July 11, 2024
Bristol: Everything we know as ‘human remains’ found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A manhunt is underway in Bristol after two suitcases believed to be containing human remains were found on Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to the scene at 11.57pm on Wednesday 10 July after a man was seen acting suspiciously on the bridge.
Arriving ten minutes later, officers said the man had fled and is suspected to have left behind a suitcase. A second suitcase with similar contents was found nearby after a short search of the area.
Albert Toth reports:
Bristol: Everything we know as ‘human remains’ found in suitcases at city bridge
Bristol Bridge Manhunt: Mapped
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:33 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Bridge staff raised alarm after seeing blood leak from suitcase
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:13 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A neighbour told The Independent one suitcase was dumped on the bridge, with a second left in the bushes nearby, Amy-Clare Martin reports.
The local said bridge security staff raised the alarm after they saw blood coming out of the case.
Eyewitness saw man being chased by cyclist as he ran from bridge staff
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:57 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
An eyewitness said they saw a man being chased by a cyclist on Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday evening.
The person, who wished to remain anonymous, said they saw the man run down Burwalls, a residential lane leading to Rownham Hill.
They said there were two suitcases: the one left on the bridge appeared to have blood leaking from it, while the other suitcase was on the road just after the bridge on the Leigh Woods side.
The eyewitness added that the man who ran off was shouting in Spanish.
They told Bristol Live: “There was blood on the floor along the bridge.
“The man who had the cases ran from the bridge staff and I saw him being chased by a member of the public on a bike - he was shouting something in Spanish.”
In pictures: The scene at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Forensic investigators seen working behind a police cordon near Clifton Suspension Bridge
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:19 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Forensics investigators in white suits were seen working behind a police cordon near the Clifton Suspension Bridge on Thursday afternoon.
A large cordon is in place, with the bridge and visitor centre expected to be closed throughout Thursday.
Clifton Bridge and Visitor Centre closed all day
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:53 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A traffic update was posted on the Clifton Suspension Bridge X page this morning.
It said: “Due to a police incident, the Bridge and Visitor Centre are CLOSED all day today (11th JULY) to ALL traffic and pedestrians. We apologise for the disruption.”
TRAFFIC UPDATE: Due to a police incident, the Bridge and Visitor Centre are CLOSED all day today (11th JULY) to ALL traffic and pedestrians. We apologise for the disruption.@heartsouthwest @BBCRB @BBCBristol @HitsBristol @onelovebrekky @Ujimaradio @bbcpointswest
— Clifton Suspension Bridge (@brunelsbridge) July 11, 2024
Roads surrounding bridge remain closed today
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The roads around the bridge, as well as surrounding footpaths, remain closed on Thursday while specialist crime scene investigators examine the area. They are expected to be closed all day.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge visitor centre is closed due to police activity, its operators said on social media.
A post-mortem examination will take place later on Thursday.
Locating man and identifying human remains are ‘immediate priority’
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:41 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Avon and Somerset Police said their “immediate priority” was to locate the man and identify the human remains.
Officers were called to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously at the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday.
They arrived at the scene within ten minutes, but the man had already left the scene leaving the suitcase behind. A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later.
Man ‘taken to bridge in a taxi,’ police say
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:39 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Police said they have established that “the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi”.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said in a statement: “This vehicle has been seized and the driver is helping us with our enquiries”.
Area where suitcases were left ‘searched immediately’ by police
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:33 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The area where the suitcases were left were searched immediately by officers on the ground, acting Bristol commander Vicks Hayward-Melen confirmed.
“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.
“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.”
‘A very disturbing incident'
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:28 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “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.”
Suitcases found ‘containing human remains’ at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:27 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A manhunt has been launched after two suitcases filled with human remains were left at Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol.
Police said they were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously at the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday.
Officers arrived within ten minutes but the man had already left, leaving a suitcase behind. A second suitcase was located a short while later.
Both are believed to contain human remains, police said.
Suitcases found ‘containing human remains’ at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Clifton Suspension Bridge opens
Friday 12 July 2024 01:28 , Alex Ross
After closing following the discovery of two suit cases containing human remains, the Clifton Suspension Bridge reopened at midnight on Thursday night to traffic.
Traffic Status: The Clifton Suspension Bridge is now open to all vehicles. One footway is open for use by pedestrians.
— Clifton Suspension Bridge (@brunelsbridge) July 11, 2024
Eyewitness saw ‘suitcase leaking blood’ on bridge as a man ran from the scene
Thursday 11 July 2024 21:41 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
An eyewitness said he spotted a suitcase leaking blood and a man running away from the scene late on Wednesday night.
The man, who out for a walk with his girlfriend when he saw the commotion unfold, told Bristol Live: “There were two suitcases, one left on the bridge with what appeared to be blood leaking from it, the other case was on the road just after the bridge on the Leigh Woods side.
“There was blood on the floor along the bridge. The man who had the cases ran from the bridge staff and I saw him being chased by a member of the public on a bike - he was shouting something in Spanish.”
He ran off down Burwalls, a residential lane leading to Rownham Hill, according to the witness.
A neighbour told The Independent one suitcase was dumped on the bridge, with a second left in the bushes nearby.
The local said bridge security staff raised the alarm after they saw blood coming out of the case.
