Bridge manhunt after body parts found in suitcases

A manhunt is continuing after a suitcase containing human remains was found on Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The historic bridge reopened on Friday after Avon and Somerset Police closed its roads in both directions to investigate the area the day before.

Officers are still looking for a man who was seen with a suitcase acting suspiciously on the bridge just before midnight on Wednesday.

The man had gone by the time they arrived, and a second suitcase containing body parts was found nearby a short time later.

The police want anyone with information about the man’s whereabouts to call 999.

He is described by police as black with a beard and wearing a gold earring.

Officers said the suspect was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black trainers with thick white soles and had a black backpack.

The force added he left the bridge in the direction of Leigh Woods by the time officers arrived at the scene.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4 ‘s Today programme, Avon and Somerset Police Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said officers were being supported after the “horrific discovery” of the suitcases.

She added the forensic post-mortem was continuing on Friday, and would be “lengthy and complex”.

Officers are asking members of the public to call 0800 056 0944 if they can help.

Joe Eastlake, who lives near the bridge, told the BBC: “The fact that this man that they’ve identified is still at large. I would’ve thought somebody could identify him quite easily.”

Local resident Sheetal said: “It’s not something that you hear about – it’s more like a movie.

“The suspension bridge is going to be different during the night.

“I feel a bit scared. I think no matter what area you live in, you always have to be aware of your surroundings.”

Barry Smith, who also lives nearby, said: “You don’t normally expect that around here.

“I think people were shocked and surprised that it happened so close to home.”

The force’s initial inquiries found the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi.

The taxi driver’s vehicle has been seized and the driver is helping officers.