Five unanswered questions in the investigation of the suitcase corpses on the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Human remains found in two suitcases near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol are those of two adult men, police said on Friday as the manhunt for the suspect was expanded.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to the famous landmark after receiving reports of a man acting suspiciously with a suitcase on Wednesday. A second suitcase was later found and both contained human remains. The Metropolitan Police are now leading efforts to track down the suspect. He was reportedly seen leaving a bag on the bridge after getting out of a taxi and it is believed he had travelled from London earlier in the day.

Officers have urged the public to call emergency services if they see him. Assistant Chief Constable Andy Valentine, who is leading the investigation for the force, warned: “Do not approach him.” A police cordon was set up in Shepherd’s Bush on Friday and forensic officers were on the scene. But there is still a lot we don’t know about this case. Here are some of the five biggest unanswered questions so far:

Who is the suspect?

Police have released two pictures of the suspect, but neither his name nor any other information about him have been released. He is described as a black man with a beard, wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black sneakers with thick white soles and carrying a black backpack.

What do we know about the bodies?

British police said the bodies are believed to belong to two adult men. The victims have not yet been officially identified. An autopsy was deemed “inconclusive” and a second autopsy is pending.

Why did the suspect travel from London?

On Friday we learned that the suspect had probably travelled from London on the day the suitcases were found. Why he decided to do this and what led him to a conspicuous location on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in particular is not yet known.

Why did he take a taxi?

Eyewitnesses have described how a man arriving at the bridge in a taxi was stopped after blood was seen pouring from a “dirty” suitcase. He left the scene, allegedly pursued by a cyclist, and fled towards nearby Leigh Woods, leaving the suitcase behind.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and discovered the suitcase, as well as a second one located near the bridge, contained human remains. A taxi has been seized and the driver is to assist officers with the investigation.

Where did the suspect go?

The suspect has not yet been found but is believed to be no longer in the Avon and Somerset area, which includes Bristol. The Metropolitan Police, which covers most of Greater London, is leading the manhunt.