Suitcases believed to contain human remains found after reports of 'suspicious' behaviour on Clifton Suspension Bridge

Two suitcases believed to contain human remains have been discovered after police were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Officers were called to the famous bridge shortly before midnight on Wednesday night after they were alerted to 'a man with a suitcase acting suspiciously', Avon and Somerset Police said. Police arrived within 10 minutes but the man had already left the scene.

They recovered one suitcase at the scene and discovered a second case nearby. The force said it is believed both cases contain unidentified human remains. A forensic post mortem examination will take place later today.

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The man is understood to have arrived at the bridge in a taxi and the driver is co-operating with the police investigation, the force said.

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."

She said officers continue to investigate the area the suitcases were found in with the support of the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard. The bridge will remain closed while specialist crime scene investigators examine the area.

She added: “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."