A 34-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with two counts of murder after human remains were found at a London flat and in suitcases on Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Colombian national Yostin Andres Mosquera will appear in court later today following the grim discovery at the Bristol landmark on Wednesday night spark a major investigation – with the two victims named.
The two victims have been formally identified as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth.
Paul was British, Albert was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship.
Albert and Paul had previously been in a relationship and still lived together at the flat in Scotts Road, Shepherd’s Bush, west London.
Sources said two men – one a wheelchair user – living at the crime scene had planned to travel to Bristol before they went missing.
It comes after officers found more human remains on Friday during a raid at their property.
Both victims were known to the man arrested and he had been staying with them at the Scotts Road flat for a short period of time.
The Met had arrested Mosquera in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday.
The force said the evidence gathered so far does not suggest there was a homophobic motive in this case, but officers have followed national guidelines and have initially categorised the incident as a hate crime.
Armed cops swarmed the man at Temple Meads Station in Bristol with police confirming they were no longer looking for anyone else.
It came after members of the public frantically phoned police when they spotted a man “acting suspiciously” near the landmark Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday.
Cops arrived to find a suitcase containing human remains, before discovering another nearby.
They said this week they believed the remains were those of two adult men, though their identities remain unknown.
The results of one post-mortem examination were “inconclusive”, while a second post-mortem examination is ongoing.
Officers said prior to the west London raid it had arrested a man, 36, in Greenwich, east London.
But he has since been released without charge.
Police are making thorough enquiries to establish whether there may be any linked offences in the UK or overseas but so far none have been identified.
Detectives will continue to build a full picture of the circumstances, including any previous incident that may be linked in any way to this case, the force added.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with Albert and Paul’s loved ones who are coming to terms with this terrible news.
“While we do not believe either of them had any close family, we have identified other next of kin who have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“We are continuing to try and identify any extended family members.
“I know that this awful incident will cause concern not just among residents in Shepherds Bush but in the wider LGBTQ+ community across London.
Wednesday, July 10
11.57pm – Avon and Somerset Police are informed of a man acting suspiciously – including allegedly dumping a suitcase – on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Police arrive within 10 minutes but he has already fled; a second suitcase is found nearby.
Thursday, July 11
Police release a CCTV image of man they wish to speak to; he is described as Black with a beard; police confirm suitcases contained human remains.
Friday, July 12
Police confirm the remains are of two unidentified adult men as Scotland Yard takes over the manhunt.
A crime scene is erected at a property in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, before a 36-year-old man is arrested in Greenwich, east London, but released without charge.
Cops reveal more human remains found at Shepherd’s Bush flat as suspect named.
Police then named a 34-year-old man they were searching for as Colombian national Yostin Andres Mosquera.
Saturday, July 13
Met Police arrest a man, 34, in the early hours of the morning in Bristol.
The man was arrested at Temple Meads Station after armed cops swarmed and was being taken to London for questioning.
Monday, July 15
Yostin Andres Mosquera is charged with two counts of murder; victims named as former couple 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth.
“I hope it will be of some reassurance that whilst enquiries are still ongoing and the investigation is at a relatively early stage, we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the two murders.
“Officers have worked with the pan-London LGBTQ+ Independent Advisory Group (IAG) since the identity of the two victims and their sexuality was established.
“Their advice, expertise and support for the investigation has been extremely valuable.
“We will continue to work with them, and with other partners including local IAGs, as the investigation and the policing response continues.”
The evidence gathered so far does not suggest there was a homophobic motive in this case, but officers have followed national guidelines and have initially categorised the incident as a hate crime.
This classification will assist in shaping elements of the investigation. It will be reviewed as any clearer evidence of a specific motive becomes available.
Anyone who has information that may assist the investigation is urged to call police on 101 with the reference 306/12JUL.
Information can also be provided to the LGBTQ+ charity Galop by visiting www.galop.org.uk
To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
