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Manhunt launched after remains found in suitcases near a bridge

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video subtitles, Police appeal after remains found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge

  • Author, Leigh Boobyer, Emma Elgee and Beth Cruse
  • Role, BBC News, Bristol

Police have released images of the wanted man after two suitcases containing human remains were found on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, a man with a suitcase was observed behaving suspiciously on the bridge.

When the officers arrived less than ten minutes later, the man had already disappeared and left the suitcase behind. A short time later, a second suitcase was found.

Avon and Somerset Police have launched a manhunt for a man described as black and with a beard.

They say he was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black sneakers with thick white soles and a black backpack.

He also wore a gold earring.

Officials ask the public to call 0800 056 0944 if necessary.

Image source, Avon and Somerset Police

Image description, The police are aware that the event is causing concern among the population

Image source, Avon and Somerset Police

Image description, The police are looking for this man
Image description, A white forensic tent can be seen behind the pillars of the bridge

According to initial investigations, the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi, police said.

The taxi driver’s vehicle has been impounded and the driver is assisting the officers.

A witness told the BBC he saw suitcases on the bridge while a cyclist chased the suspected suspect away.

At a press conference this afternoon, acting Bristol Commander Vicks Haywood-Melen said they were asking anyone who might recognise the man to come forward.

“This is a very disturbing incident and I am fully aware of the concern it will cause in our communities.”

“Our immediate priority is to locate the man who brought the suitcases onto the bridge, identify the dead man and inform his next of kin,” she said.

She added that the man was seen heading towards Leigh Woods and that searches using CCTV were currently underway.

Image description, The roads on both sides of the bridge were closed

The roads surrounding the bridge and surrounding footpaths will remain closed while investigators examine the area. They are expected to remain closed throughout the day.

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

Police officers on the Bristol side of the suspension bridge direct pedestrians away from the accident scene.

To allow police investigations to continue, the visitor center was also closed.

The police are expected to provide further information at a press conference this afternoon.

Image description, Chief Inspector Vicks Haywood-Melen held a press conference for the media

Bristol’s acting commander, Vicks Hayward-Melen, said: “Our immediate priority is to find the man who brought the suitcases onto the bridge, identify the deceased and inform his next of kin.

“Professionals are on hand to provide them with any support they need.”

She added that an autopsy would take place later on Thursday.

Reece Wright, a 20-year-old student at the University of Bristol, witnessed some of the commotion on the bridge last night.

He said it was a “terrifying experience,” describing how he saw suitcases left on the bridge while a cyclist chased away a suspected suspect.

“It was all very unexpected. I tried to rationalise it.

“I thought someone had been arguing and then I saw the suitcase and thought it was strange.

“We continued through the Leigh Woods section towards Burwalls when we saw another suitcase, a silver one.”

Image source, Reece Wright

Image description, Yesterday evening, a suitcase was discovered by bridge staff
Image description, A report was made to the police at 23:57 BST on Wednesday
Image description, There is currently an increased police presence in the area.

Carla Denyer, the new Green MP for Bristol Central, said the “appalling” incident had left her “deeply disturbed”.

In an interview with X, she said: “Disturbing events like this are disturbing for all of us who call Bristol home and are proud of our city.”

She thanked the police for their quick action and added that she was in contact with the authorities.

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