Human remains found in suitcases by Bristol's Clifton Suspension Bridge

By Leigh Boobyer, a journalist from BBC News in Bristol

The police have prevented people from entering the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

A search is underway following the discovery of two suitcases holding human remains at the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

The police were alerted when a man carrying a bag was seen behaving strangely on the bridge right before midnight last Wednesday. By the time the officers got there in under ten minutes, the man had disappeared, abandoning the bag.

Another piece of luggage was discovered in the vicinity shortly after.

Avon and Somerset Police stated that finding the man and determining the identity of the human remains was their primary concern at the moment.

First investigations confirmed that the man was transported to the bridge in a taxi, according to the police department.

The taxi driver's car has been taken by authorities and the driver is cooperating with police.

The streets on either side of the bridge are no longer open to traffic.

Someone contacted the police at 11:57 PM British Summer Time on Wednesday.

The streets near the bridge, along with nearby walkways, are shut down as investigators search the area. They will likely remain closed throughout the day.

The police helicopter was monitored flying above the bridge on Wednesday evening.

Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen expressed that their top priority is to find the person responsible for bringing the suitcases to the bridge, identify the deceased individual, and notify their family members.

Highly trained police officers are prepared to offer any assistance that they require.

She mentioned that an autopsy would occur later in the day on Thursday.

There are more police officers in the area right now.

Beth Cruse, one of our journalists on the scene, witnessed police officers on the Bristol side of the Suspension Bridge redirecting pedestrians.

She stated that there are about three police officers monitoring this side of the bridge who are unable to provide further information due to communication issues within the department.

A helicopter is flying in circles above the vicinity.