Police are searching for a man who left two suitcases believed to contain human remains on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Officers were alerted to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously on the bridge shortly before midnight on Wednesday.
They arrived at the scene within 10 minutes – but the man had disappeared, leaving a suitcase behind.
A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said the “immediate priority” was finding the man and identifying the remains.
She said an immediate search of the area was carried out by officers on the ground with support from the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard following the discoveries.
These searches remain ongoing and officers have set up a large cordon in the area while forensic investigators work at the scene.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge and its visitor center are closed due to police activity, its operators said on social media.
A message on Clifton Suspension Bridge’s .
“We apologize for the interruption.”
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Commander Hayward-Melen said: “This is a very disturbing incident and I fully recognize the concern it will cause our communities.
“The investigation is being led by our main criminal investigation team and involves specialist officers and staff from across our organisation.
“Our immediate priority is to locate the man who took the bags to the bridge, identify the deceased and inform his family.
“Specialist officers are ready to provide them with any support they need.”
She added: “Specialist crime scene investigators are currently examining the bridge and surrounding area and the bridge will remain closed whilst these investigations are carried out.
“A post-mortem forensic examination will be carried out later today.
“There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to a police officer.”
Anyone with information was asked to contact police.
Clifton Suspension Bridge is a Grade I listed landmark designed by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
It opened in 1864 and spans the Avon Gorge.
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