A manhunt is underway after a man 'dumped two suitcases full of human remains'

on Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Police were called to a report of a person acting suspiciously on the landmark at 11.57pm last night, Wednesday July 10.

The man had disappeared, but officers made a grim discovery when they checked the contents of a suitcase.

A second suitcase was located nearby a short time later.

The incident sparked a significant emergency response - including a police helicopter and HM Coastguard helicopter.

Avon and Somerset Police say that "locating the man who left the suitcases and identifying the deceased are our priorities", with the Major Crime Investigation Team launching an urgent probe."

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."

She 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 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."

"A forensic postmortem 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."

If you have any information which could help the police investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5224180010.