Horrifying moment suitcases containing human remains were dumped on bridge

Suspected human remains were found stuffed inside two suitcase on a bridge, where a man fled the scene and was pursued by a cyclist, an eyewitness has claimed.

Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol has been at the centre of a large police investigation today after the incident unfolded just before midnight on Wednesday. The man, on foot, managed to get away despite a biker and two members of staff who man the bridge trying to pin him down. 

Bridge workers had been confronted by a man hauling the two suitcases from Leigh Woods onto the bridge. The man bolted when they approached him and is currently evading capture.

Authorities have initiated a full-scale investigation, resulting in the closure of the iconic bridge. A witness recounted the harrowing events that took place around 11.40pm, detailing how the fugitive sprinted down Burwalls, a lane leading to Rownham Hill.

Despite a large-scale search involving a police helicopter, the suspect remains at large, reports Bristol Live.

Another bystander reported that the fleeing individual was yelling in Spanish as he was chased from the bridge. This man, preferring to stay unnamed, was crossing the bridge with his girlfriend from Leigh Woods when they encountered the unsettling scene.

"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," he described.

"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."

"The cyclist followed the man, who was wearing a dark or black clothing, and was seen running down Burwalls," he added.

Pictures captured by the eyewitness, which Bristol Live has decided not to share, show a trail of blood close to the viewing area on the south side of the Leigh Woods tower.

Bridge staff called police when the man left the suitcases and ran off, and officers arrived and immediately closed down the area. The police helicopter was sent up to scour the scene, but it is believed the man escaped into the woods between the bridge and Ashton Meadows.

"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," Vicks Hayward-Melen, the acting Bristol Commander for Avon and Somerset Police said. "These searches remain ongoing."

She added that police have established that the man arrived at the bridge in a taxi - which has been seized and the driver is helping police with their inquiries.

Police confirmed on Thursday lunchtime that they don't yet know who the victim in the suitcases is, and haven't yet found the man who ran off.

"This is a very disturbing incident and I fully recognise the concern it will be causing our communities," Vicks Hayward-Melen added.

"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.

"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 post mortem examination will take place later today. There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer," she continued.

The police have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses and are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact them on 101, quoting the reference number 5224180010.