Clifton Suspension Bridge: Human remains found in suitcases as manhunt launched

Here is what Avon and Somerset's lead on the Clifton Suspension Bridge investigation has said about missing student Jack O'Sullivan.

Acting Brisol commander, Vicks Haywood-Melen, said: "I understand the parallels that might be made 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 because of the concerns that people may have, 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."

Police have been in contact with the family of Jack O'Sullivan to "inform them of the incident" but said "no parallels are actively being drawn".

The missing 23-year-old was last seen at about 3.15am on March 2 in the area of Brunel Lock Road and Brunel Way in Bristol.

Mr O'Sullivan went missing after walking home from a party.

Avon and Somerset Police has released a second image of the man they want to talk to.

The image is not from CCTV suggesting a passerby may have captured the man on camera.

A taxi driver who took the man to Clifton Suspension Bridge continues to help police with their enquiries, according to Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen.

She repeated that police had seized the vehicle.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen told reporters at a press conference earlier that a post mortem is taking place.

Asked if anyone was reported missing, Hayward-Melen said no.

Avon and Somerset Police has released an image of a man officers want to talk to.

The force described him as black with a beard. He was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black trainers with thick white soles and had a black backpack.

Avon and Somerset Police have been scouring CCTV in a bid to track the man's movements and said they believe he left the bridge in the direction of Leigh Woods.

A spokesperson for the force said: "If anyone sees this man, we’d ask them not to approach him and instead call 999 quoting reference 5224180010."

Avon and Somerset Police is expected to update the public later today, according to the Bristol Post.

Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer has said she is "deeply disturbed" by the discovery.

The co-leader of the Green Party wrote 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 [Avon and Somerset Police] for your swift action. I am in contact with authorities and will do anything I can to support a swift and thorough investigation."

These maps show where Clifton Suspension Bridge is. Located to the west of city centre, the landmark is now at the centre of a detailed forensic examination.

An eyewitness has recalled the horrific moment a "suspicious" man dropped two suitcases on the bridge when he was confronted.

The man, preferring to stay unnamed, was crossing the bridge with his girlfriend when they encountered the unsettling scene.

He said: "There were two suitcases, one left on the bridge with what appeared to be blood leaking from it, the other case was on the road just after the bridge on the Leigh Woods side.

"There was blood on the floor along the bridge. The man who had the cases ran 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."

Aerial images show the spot on Clifton Suspension Bridge where remains were found.

Police were called to reports of a man with a suitcase acting suspiciously on the landmark bridge just before midnight on Wednesday.

When officers arrived less than 10 minutes later the man had left, leaving the suitcase behind.

A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later.

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner has said efforts are focused on finding the man who dumped the cases, identifying the remains and contacting the next of kin.

Clare Moody said in a statement: "Many of you will be aware through media reports that Avon and Somerset Police has launched an investigation, and are looking for a man, in connection with serious incident that involves the discovery of suitcases on Clifton Suspension Bridge containing what are believed to be human remains.

"I know this is distressing and disturbing news that will be concerning for local people.

"I have been fully briefed by Avon and Somerset police about this incident and I can confirm they are focusing resources on locating the man they are seeking and identifying the remains and informing the family members."

New pictures show the police presence in the area and the moment the suitcases containing human remains were found.

Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed as police search the surrounding area.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor has said it will be shut all day due to the ongoing police incident.

Police attending a call-in missed the man who dumped the bodies on Clifton Suspension Bridge by mere minutes.

At 11.57pm yesterday (July 10), police in Bristol received a report of a man acting suspiciously on the bridge.

Officers arrived within 10 minutes, but the man had already left the area, leaving the suitcase behind. Another suitcase was found nearby.

Both were confirmed to contain human remains.

Images from BristolLive show police officers, including a forensics van, on the scene at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Acting Bristol commander Vicks Hayward-Melen added: "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 These searches remain ongoing.

"Initial enquiries have established the man was taken to the bridge by a taxi. This vehicle has been seized and the driver is helping us with our enquiries.

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

"A forensic postmortem examination will take place later today.

"There is an ongoing police presence in the area and anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer."

Acting Bristol commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said: "This is a very disturbing incident and I fully recognise the concern it will be causing our communities.

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

“Our immediate priority is to locate the man who took the suitcases to the bridge, identify the deceased, and inform their next of kin. Specialist officers are ready to provide them with any support they need."

Avon and Somerset Police released a statement saying: "At 11.57pm yesterday, we recieved a report of a man with a suitcase acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspensio Bridge.

"Officers arrived at the bridge within 10 minutes, but the man had already left the area, leaving the suitcase behind. A second suitcase was located nearby a short time later.

"Sadly, it's believed the suitcases contain human remains.

"Our Major Crime Investigation Team has launched an investigation. Locating the man who left the suitcases and identifying the deceased are our priorities."

Those with information are asked to call 191 and quote reference 5224180010.

Police are hunting for a man who left two suitcases believed to contain human remains on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Officers were alerted to a man acting suspiciously at 11.57pm on Wednesday night.

They arrived within 10 minutes but the man had vanished.

The two suitcases were left behind, when the discovery was made.

The bridge has been shut today with forensic officers seen inside the cordon.

We'll be bringing you all the latest updates after human remains were found inside two suitcases in Bristol.

More to follow.