Police release image of suspect after human remains found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge | UK news

Police have released an image of a suspect still at large after human remains were found in two suitcases at the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

In a press conference, detectives from Avon and Somerset Police said the suspect was taken to the bridge in a taxi and the taxi driver is cooperating with officers investigating the discovery. The vehicle has also been seized.

The suspect is described as black with a beard. He was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, white sneakers and a black backpack. He also wore a gold earring.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said the suspect headed towards Leigh Woods after leaving the suitcases behind.

She said the force’s immediate priority was to “find the man who brought the suitcases onto the bridge, identify the dead man and locate the next of kin.”

“Specialized forensic investigators are currently examining the bridge and the surrounding area. The bridge will remain closed during these investigations,” she said.

“At this stage we are not aware of any current danger he poses to the general public. However, if anyone sees him we advise them not to approach him and please call 999 immediately.

“This is a very concerning incident and I am fully aware of the concern it will cause across all communities. We currently have an increased police presence in the area and I encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak to a member of the team.”

An autopsy will take place on Thursday evening. The police did not want to comment on questions about the number of victims found or the age and gender of the human remains.

Officials had previously said they had received reports of a man behaving suspiciously on the bridge shortly before midnight on Wednesday.

The police arrived at the scene within ten minutes – but the man had disappeared and left a suitcase behind.

A short time later, a second suitcase was found nearby, Avon and Somerset Police said.

With the assistance of the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard, ground officers immediately launched a search of the area.

Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, posted on X: “I am deeply disturbed by the horrific discovery of human remains overnight at Clifton Suspension Bridge.

“Disturbing events like this are concerning to all of us who call Bristol home and are proud of our city.

“Thank you @ASPolice for your quick action. I am in contact with the authorities and will do everything I can to support a prompt and thorough investigation.”

The Clifton Suspension Bridge was closed today due to police operations.

The Grade II listed landmark, which spans the Avon Gorge, was designed by the famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864.

This breaking news story will be updated and further details will be released shortly.

Please refresh the page for the full version.

You can receive breaking news on your smartphone or tablet via the Sky News AppYou can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our Youtube channel to stay up to date with the latest news.