Remains of two men found in suitcases as Met Police take over Bristol bridge investigation

Police have revealed that the suitcases found in Bristol containing body parts were the remains of two victims.

The Metropolitan Police has taken over the manhunt to find the man captured on CCTV near the site as the body count was discovered to be two adult men.

The force said its officers had taken over the manhunt for the suspect after it was discovered he had travelled from London to Bristol earlier the same day. A crime scene is now in place at a location in Shepherds Bush, west London, the Met said.

The public have been warned not to approach the suspect.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is leading the investigation for the Met, said: “Over the last 48 hours we have been working extremely closely with colleagues from Avon and Somerset. This work leads us to believe the man we need to speak to travelled to Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday evening (10 July).

“We are drawing on resources from across the Met to find and apprehend the suspect and I would urge anyone who believes they see him, or who knows of his whereabouts, to call 999 straight away. Do not approach him.

“We recognise this has caused significant concern to residents in the Clifton area and will cause concern among those who live and work in West London.

“Extra officers will be on patrol in the area over the coming days and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them.”

The bodies were found in two suitcases near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol after reports of a man acting suspiciously.

Avon and Somerset Police were called at 11.57pm on Wednesday July 10 after a man with a suitcase was seen acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Officers arrived less than 10 minutes later, but the man had left the scene, leaving one suitcase behind. A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later. Both were found to contain human remains.

One post-mortem examination has been carried out. This was inconclusive and further tests will be carried out. A second post-mortem remains ongoing.

At this stage, the victims have not been formally identified but both are believed to be adult men.