Two suitcases containing human remains left on Clifton Suspension Bridge as police hunt culprit

Two suitcases feared to contain human remains have been found by officers in a 'disturbing incident' - as police launch a manhunt to find the person who left them there.

Officers were called to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol just before midnight after onlookers said a man had been seen behaving suspiciously.

When they arrived ten minutes later, in the early hours of this morning, they discovered two suitcases set down near to each other.

Inside they made the horrifying discovery of what is believed to be human remains in both of them.

Today they were hunting the man who left them there after he fled from the scene before officers arrived.

The incident has sparked a massive emergency response, with helicopters and the coastguard scouring the area. 

He was taken to the bridge in a taxi, which has been seized and the driver is assisting the force with their enquiries. 

A forensic postmortem examination of the deceased will take place later today.

The bridge, a Grade I listed landmark, spans the Avon Gorge and was designed by noted Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, opening in 1864.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen 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 the with any support they need.

'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.'

Specialist crime scene investigators are at the scene, with the landmark bridge remaining shut as they examine the area.

The police spokesperson added: 'There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.'

If you have any information which could help the police investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5224180010.