Image of suspect released by police after human remains found in suitcases by Clifton Suspension Bridge

Police have released an image of a suspect still on the loose after human remains were found in two suitcases left by Clifton Suspension Bridge.

In a press conference, detectives from Avon and Somerset Police said the suspect was taken to the bridge by a taxi, and that the taxi driver is working with officers investigating the discovery. The vehicle has also been seized.

The suspect is described as black with a beard, wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, white trainers and had a black backpack. He was also wearing a gold earring.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said the force's "immediate priority is to locate the man who took the suitcases to the bridge, identify the deceased, and locate next of kin".

"Specialist crime scene investigators are currently examining the bridge and surrounding area, and the bridge will remain closed while these inquiries are conducted," she said.

A post-mortem examination is taking place on Thursday evening.

Officers previously said they received reports of a man seen acting suspiciously on the bridge just before midnight on Wednesday.

Police arrived at the scene within 10 minutes - but the man had vanished, leaving a suitcase behind.

A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later, Avon and Somerset Police said.

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.

Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, posted on X: "I am deeply disturbed by the horrifying discovery of human remains at Clifton Suspension Bridge overnight.

"Distressing events like this are unsettling for all of us who call Bristol home and are proud of our city.

"Thank you @ASPolice for your swift action. I am in contact with authorities and will do anything I can to support a swift and thorough investigation."

The Clifton Suspension Bridge has been closed today due to the police activity.

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

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