Bristol bridge suitcases contained remains of two men and were brought from London

The suitcases found on a bridge in Bristol contained the remains of two men and were brought from London, police say.

A manhunt is ongoing after a man 'dumped two suitcases full of human remains' on Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Met Police have now taken over the probe - after it emerged the suspect travelled from the capital with the bodies of two separate victims in tow.

Detectives from the Met are now leading an investigation and confirmed the suitcases contained the remains of two adult men.

A separate crime scene has now been set up in Shepherd's Bush.

Enquiries carried out by officers from Avon and Somerset and the Met suggest that the man wanted in connection with the incident had travelled to Bristol from London earlier the same day.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is leading the investigation for the Met, said: “Over the last 48 hours we have been working extremely closely with colleagues from Avon and Somerset. This work leads us to believe the man we need to speak to travelled to Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday evening (10 July).

“We are drawing on resources from across the Met to find and apprehend the suspect and I would urge anyone who believes they see him, or who knows of his whereabouts, to call 999 straight away. Do not approach him.

“We recognise this has caused significant concern to residents in the Clifton area and will cause concern among those who live and work in West London.

“Extra officers will be on patrol in the area over the coming days and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them.”

Avon and Somerset Police were initially called at 23:57hrs on Wednesday, 10 July after a man with a suitcase was seen acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Officers arrived less than ten minutes later, but the man had left the scene, leaving one suitcase behind. A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later. Both were found to contain human remains.

One post-mortem examination has been carried out. This was inconclusive and further tests will be carried out. A second post-mortem remains ongoing.

At this stage, the victims have not been formally identified but both are believed to be adult men.

At a press conference this afternoon, Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said: "It is believed the man wanted in connection with this incident had travelled to the Clifton area of Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday before taking a taxi to Clifton Suspension Bridge where the suitcases were unloaded.

"There is also a crime scene in place at a location in Shepherd's Bush."

She said forensic investigations were still being carried out, but said of the human remains were: "They are believed to be of two adult men".

She added: "There is no information to suggest he remains in the Avon and Somerset area."

Residents in Leigh Woods earlier today expressed their fear as the police begin the second day of a manhunt.