Human remains from Clifton Suspension Bridge: Major questions as suspect remains at large

It has been almost 24 hours since the shocking incident, which saw two suitcases, with suspected human remains inside, thrown onto the Clifton Suspension Bridge. A suspect then ran from the scene in the direction of Leigh Woods, with an appeal in progress to find him.

Officers are searching bush in the Leigh Woods area and have released CCTV images of the man they are trying to find, advising the public not to approach him if they see him.

You can find everything we know about the case so far here — but below are some of the most pressing questions that might be on your mind.

What do we know about human remains?

A pathologist performs a post-mortem examination in an attempt to identify the cause of death. It will also help in identifying the time of death.

An eyewitness who was at the scene when the suspect left the first suitcase and ran away told BristolLive that blood spilled onto the bridge, meaning whatever the cause of death was, it likely happened within hours of the altercation on the bridge . Avon and Somerset Police are also working to identify the alleged victim in order to inform next of kin.

Who took a taxi to Clifton Suspension Bridge with suitcases of human body parts?

The suspect took a taxi to the scene and then fled on foot. Avon and Somerset Police have released two photos of the suspect, apparently taken as he fled the scene. An eyewitness told BristolLive that the suspect was shouting in Spanish as he was driven from the scene.

He is described as black with a beard. He was wearing an Adidas baseball cap and black sneakers with thick white soles, as well as a gold earring and carrying a black backpack. He remains at large at the time of writing and has now been on the run for approximately 19 hours.

Is the case related to the disappearance of Jack O’Sullivan?

There has been much speculation online as to whether the body or bodies in the suitcase could be linked to the disappearance of Bristol man Jack O’Sullivan, who was last seen just a few hundred meters away from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. , at Cumberland Basin on March 2.

However, Avon and Somerset Police said they were “not actively drawing parallels” between the human remains found in suitcases on the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the disappearance of Jack O’Sullivan. However, due to the nature of the incident, a senior officer has contacted Jack’s family to inform them of today’s events.

Where did the taxi driver take the suspect?

It has not yet been revealed where the taxi driver picked up the suspect to take him to the bridge. Initial inquiries have established that the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi – and police have confirmed that this vehicle has been seized and the driver is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Where do the police search for the suspect?

Police officers are currently searching bush in an area of ​​Leigh Woods near the Suspension Bridge. The man who fled the scene is believed to have headed in this direction after leaving the two suitcases on the bridge.

Meanwhile, specialist crime scene investigators are examining the bridge and the surrounding area, with the bridge remaining closed while these inquiries are carried out.

What should I do if I see the suspect?

Police have urged anyone who may see the man in the CCTV image not to approach him, but to call 999 immediately to report any sightings. However, they said he is not currently believed to be a danger to the community or the general public.

Anyone with information about the incident – no matter how significant they think it is – is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police’s incident room on 0800 056 944.