Police are searching for a man who left two suitcases containing suspected human remains at the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Officials were alerted to reports that a man was behaving suspiciously on the bridge shortly before midnight on Wednesday.

They arrived at the crime scene within ten minutes – but the man had disappeared and left a suitcase behind.

A short time later, a second suitcase was found nearby, Avon and Somerset Police said.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said the “immediate priority” was to find the man and identify the human remains.

She said that following the discoveries, ground officers immediately launched a search of the area with assistance from the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard.

These searches are ongoing and officers have set up a large police cordon in the area while forensic investigators work at the scene.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge and its visitor center are closed due to police activity, operators said on social media.

A message posted on the Clifton Suspension Bridge X account at 7.25am this morning said: “Due to a police operation, the bridge and visitor centre are CLOSED to ALL traffic and pedestrians all day today (JULY 11).”

“We apologize for the inconvenience.”

Commander Hayward-Melen said: “This is a very disturbing incident and I am fully aware of the concern it is causing in our communities.

“The investigation is being led by our Serious Crime Investigation Team and involves specialist officers and staff from across the organisation.

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

“Specialized officers are on hand to provide them with any assistance they need.”

She added: “Specialist forensic investigators are currently examining the bridge and the surrounding area. The bridge will remain closed while these investigations are carried out.”

“A forensic autopsy will take place later today.

“There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a listed landmark designed by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

It was opened in 1864 and spans the Avon Gorge.