Two suitcases, containing what are believed to be human remains, have been found by police in Bristol.

Officers were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Specialist crime scene investigators are examining the bridge, which will remain closed while enquires are carried out.

Officers were called to the scene at 11.57pm on Wednesday and arrived at the scene within ten minutes, but the man had already left the bridge.

An investigation has been launched to identify the deceased and locate the man who abandoned the suitcase.

Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said a forensic post mortem examination will take place later today.

Initial enquiries have established that the man travelled to the bridge in a taxi.

Hayward-Melen added that this vehicle has been seized and the driver is assisting police with their investigation.

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In a statement, she said: "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.

"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 in 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."

Searches for the man involve Avon and Somerset Police, the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard.