Human remains found in two suitcases are thought to be those of two adult men, according to police.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said the Metropolitan Police was taking over the investigation after two suitcases containing human remains were found on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
A crime scene is in place at a location in Shepherds Bush and the Met have taken over the manhunt to find the suspect.
Avon and Somerset Police had earlier released a photograph of the suspect. They had not identified the man.
The public is still advised to call 999 immediately if they see him.
The suspect. Pic: Avon and Somerset Police
He was described as black with a beard, wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket and black trainers with thick white soles. He also had a black backpack and was wearing a gold earring.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is leading the investigation for the Met, said: “Over the last 48 hours we have been working extremely closely with colleagues from Avon and Somerset. This work leads us to believe the man we need to speak to travelled to Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday evening (10 July).”
Police said on Thursday the suspect had set off in the direction of Leigh Woods after abandoning the suitcases.
Officers received reports just before midnight on Wednesday evening of a man acting suspiciously near the bridge.
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Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. File pic: iStock
Police arrived at the scene within 10 minutes – but the man had vanished, leaving a suitcase behind. A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later.
Commander Hayward-Melen said on Thursday the suspect had been taken to the bridge by taxi. The driver is helping with the police investigation.
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