Police have released an image of a suspect still at large after human remains were found in two suitcases left on the Clifton suspension bridge.
At a press conference, detectives from Avon and Somerset Police said the suspect was taken by taxi to the bridge and that the taxi driver is working with officers investigating the discovery. The vehicle was also seized.
The suspect is described as black, with a beard, wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, black jacket, white sneakers and a black backpack. He was also wearing a gold earring.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said the force’s “immediate priority is to locate the man who took the bags onto the bridge, identify the deceased and locate next of kin.”
“Specialist crime scene investigators are currently examining the bridge and surrounding area, and the bridge will remain closed while these investigations are carried out,” she said.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out later this Thursday.
Officers previously said they received reports of a man seen acting suspiciously on the bridge just before midnight on Wednesday.
Police 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.
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.
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, posted on X: “I am deeply disturbed by the horrific discovery of human remains on the Clifton suspension bridge overnight.
“Distressing events like this are upsetting 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 authorities and will do everything I can to support a swift and thorough investigation.”
The Clifton Suspension Bridge was closed today due to police activity.
The Grade I listed landmark, which spans the Avon Gorge, was designed by famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864.
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