Human remains found inside suitcases on Clifton Suspension Bridge as cops release CCTV of man they are hunting

COPS are urgently hunting a man after human remains were found inside two suitcases "leaking blood" on Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Police today released CCTV images of a suspect after receiving reports of a man with a suitcase acting suspiciously on the Bristol landmark just before midnight on Wednesday.

They arrived at the scene within 10 minutes, but the man had already left the area towards Leigh Woods, leaving the case behind.

A second case, also containing human body parts, was located nearby a short time later.

Avon and Somerset Police said they were still "working out" who the suspect is following initial reports at 11.57pm.

A police helicopter and the Coastguard are helping investigators locate the suspect, who was taken to the bridge - which stands 331ft above the River Avon at high tide - in a taxi.

He 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.

The force have urged people not to approach him and call 999 if he is sighted, but have said they are unaware of any current risk to the wider public.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said this afternoon at the scene: “Sadly, the suitcases contained human remains.

“The searches remain ongoing.

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

"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.

"Initial inquiries have established the man was taken to the bridge in a taxi.

"This vehicle has been seized and the driver is helping us with our inquiries.

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

Ms Hayward-Melen said she could not confirm whether or not the remains were of more than one person.

MISSING STUDENT

She was also asked about parallels between the incident and Jack O'Sullivan's case, the university student who went missing more than four months ago after attending a party in Bristol.

The police chief added: "So I understand the parallels that might be made with with Jack's case and we would ask anybody to avoid any speculation at this time.

"What I can confirm is just because of the nature of the incident and the concerns that people may have as you've pointed out there, a senior officer has been in contact with Jack's family to inform them of the incident, but I can confirm at this time that no parallels are being actively drawn."

She added: "Officers are currently working to track his movements through CCTV and I can confirm that we know he left in the direction of Leigh Woods behind me."

A post-mortem examination will take place later today.

Snaps showed signs warning drivers to stay away from the Grade I-listed bridge while forensic officers combed it for evidence.