An urgent manhunt is underway after two suitcases were found containing human remains near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police have launched the search after making the ‘disturbing’ discovery in the early hours of this morning.
Detectives were called to the scene just before midnight last night after receiving reports of a man acting suspiciously on the famous landmark.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said that their initial enquiries have found that a man took a taxi to the bridge with the suitcases and left them there before leaving a short time later.
The car has been seized and the driver is helping police with their enquiries.
She said: ‘This is a very disturbing incident and I fully recognise the concern it will be causing our communities.
‘The investigation is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team and involves specialist officers and staff from across our organisation.
‘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: ‘An immediate search of the area was carried out by officers on the ground with the support of the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard following the discovery of the suitcases. These searches remain ongoing.
‘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 postmortem examination will take place later today.
‘There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.’
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police added: ‘Officers arrived at the bridge within 10 minutes, but the man had already left the area, leaving the suitcase behind.
‘A second suitcase was located nearby a short time later.
‘Sadly, it’s believed the suitcases contain human remains.
‘Our Major Crime Investigation Team has launched an investigation. Locating the man who left the suitcases and identifying the deceased are our priorities.’
The major bridge between Bristol and north Somerset has been closed since 6.30am this morning as officers respond to an emergency incident.
It is closed between Observatory Road and North Road on the opposite side of the bridge.
Traffic monitor Inrix said: ‘Due to a police incident, the bridge and visitor centre are closed all day today (July 11) to all traffic and pedestrians. We apologise for the disruption.’
Four forensic vehicles are parked up on the North Somerset side of the bridge.
A private ambulance also arrived at this side of the bridge.
Much of the west of the city has come to a standstill because of the bridge closure.
Many drivers travelling into the city from North Somerset use the bridge so it is expected to add to the congestion throughout the day.
According to traffic data from Google, traffic is already building on the A4 Portway which is another major road into the city.
Traffic is also at a standstill back towards the A369 coming into Bristol from Leigh Woods to Ashton Gate Stadium.
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