UK Police Release Photo of Suspect Following Discovery of Suitcases Containing Human Remains at Clifton Suspension Bridge

UK  Police released an image of a man they wish to interview after two suitcases filled with human remains were found near the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Witnesses reported a man acting suspiciously as he exited a taxi with one of the suitcases at the landmark around midnight. They immediately contacted police, who arrived within ten minutes, but the man had already fled the scene.

Shortly after that, a second suitcase was discovered, both containing body parts. The victim’s identity remains unknown as police work to establish an ID. The taxi driver has been located and is assisting police with their inquiries.

Avon and Somerset Police have published a photo of the man they seek, describing him as Black with a beard, dressed in a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black trainers with thick white soles, and a black backpack. The suspect was last seen heading towards Leigh Woods.

A yellow bag containing hazardous waste is seen in the police cordon (Photo: Tom Wren/SWNS)

Authorities urge anyone who sees the man not to approach him but to call 999 immediately, quoting reference number 5224180010.

The bridge has been closed in both directions since 6:30 AM for forensic investigations. The Coastguard has been called in to assist with the search, and a post-mortem examination is expected today. Forensic teams are meticulously combing the area for clues.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen acknowledged the community’s distress, stating, “This is an alarming incident, and I fully recognize the concern it will be causing our communities. Our immediate priority is to locate the man who took the suitcases to the bridge, identify the deceased, and inform their next of kin. Specialist officers are ready to provide them with any support they need.”

She added that an extensive search operation, including the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard, was initiated following the discovery of the suitcases. “Initial enquiries have established the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi.

This vehicle has been seized and the driver is helping us with our enquiries. Specialist crime scene investigators are currently examining the bridge and surrounding area, and the bridge will remain closed while these enquiries are conducted. A forensic post-mortem examination will take place later today.”

Forensics at the scene near Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol (Photo: Tom Wren/SWNS)

Bristol Central MP and co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, expressed her shock, calling the incident “deeply disturbing” in a tweet. She thanked the police for their swift action and pledged her support for a thorough investigation.

The closure of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a major route connecting Bristol and North Somerset, has caused significant traffic disruptions. The bridge, a Grade I listed structure designed by the renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, sees between 11,000 and 12,000 vehicles daily.

A statement from Clifton Suspension Bridge authorities confirmed the closure: “TRAFFIC UPDATE: Due to a police incident, the Bridge and Visitor Centre are CLOSED all day today (11th JULY) to ALL traffic and pedestrians. We apologize for the disruption.”

(Graphic: Metro.co.uk)

Four forensic vehicles and a private ambulance were seen at the site. The closure has led to traffic congestion throughout the city, particularly on the A4 Portway and A369, affecting commuters from North Somerset into Bristol.

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