Latest Bristol Clifton Suspension Bridge: ‘Human remains’ found in two suitcases

An eyewitness said they saw a man being chased by a cyclist on the Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday night.

The person, who wished to remain anonymous, said he saw the man running along Burwalls, a residential lane leading to Rownham Hill.

They said there were two suitcases: the one left on the bridge appeared to have blood coming out of it, while the other suitcase was on the road just past the bridge on the Leigh Woods side.

The eyewitness added that the man who ran away was shouting in Spanish.

They told Bristol Live: “There was blood on the floor along the bridge.

“The man with the cases ran away from the bridge staff and I saw him being chased by a member of the public on a bike – he was shouting something in Spanish.”

Forensic investigators in white suits were seen working behind a police cordon near the Clifton Suspension Bridge on Thursday afternoon.

A large cordon is in place, with the bridge and visitor center expected to be closed throughout Thursday.

A traffic update was posted on the Clifton Suspension Bridge X page this morning.

It said: “Due to a police incident the Bridge and Visitor Center are CLOSED all day today (JULY 11) to ALL traffic and pedestrians. We apologize for the interruption.”

Roads around the bridge, as well as surrounding footpaths, remain closed on Thursday while specialist crime scene investigators examine the area. They are expected to be closed all day.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Center is closed due to police activity, its operators said on social media.

A post-mortem examination will take place later on Thursday.

Avon and Somerset Police said their “immediate priority” was to locate the man and identify the human remains.

Officers were called to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously on the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday.

They arrived at the scene within ten minutes, but the man had already left the scene, leaving the suitcase behind. A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later.

Police said they determined “the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi.”

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said in a statement: “This vehicle has been impounded and the driver is assisting with our enquiries.”

The area where the suitcases were left was immediately searched by officers on the ground, Bristol Acting Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen confirmed.

“An immediate search of the area was carried out by officers on the ground with the support of the National Police Air Service and the Coastguard following the discovery of the suitcases. These searches remain ongoing.

“The first investigations established that the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi. This vehicle has been impounded and the driver is helping us with our questions.

“Specialist crime scene investigators are currently examining the bridge and the surrounding area and the bridge will remain closed while these inquiries are carried out.

“A forensic autopsy will take place later today.

“There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.”

Acting Bristol Chief Constable Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “This is a very distressing incident and I fully recognize the concern it will cause our communities.

“The investigation is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team and involves specialist officers and staff from across the organisation.

“Our immediate priority is to find the man who took the suitcases onto the bridge, identify the deceased and inform next of kin.

“Specialist officers are ready to give them any support they need.”

A manhunt has been launched after two suitcases full of human remains were left on Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Police said they were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously on the bridge at 11.57pm on Wednesday.

The police arrived within ten minutes, but the man had already left, leaving behind a suitcase. A second suitcase was found a little later.

Both are believed to contain human remains, police said.