Suspect arrested at Bristol after discovery of human remains in suitcases

A man has been apprehended in Bristol in relation to the finding of human remains in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Authorities have concluded their search for additional suspects after apprehending the 34-year-old individual in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Forensic officers were observed entering and exiting a residence in Shepherd's Bush, West London, on Friday following the discovery of additional human remains.

In the early hours of Saturday, authorities apprehended a 34-year-old man at Bristol Temple Meads railway station. 

He was subsequently taken into custody. He is set to be transported to London for further questioning.

Andy Valentine, the deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, expressed gratitude to the public for their support, emphasizing that this development is a significant milestone in their ongoing investigation.

At 11.57 pm on Wednesday, authorities received a call reporting a man behaving suspiciously on the bridge. 

A swift response was prompted by Avon and Somerset police, who arrived on the scene without delay.

Officers swiftly arrived, only to find that the man had already departed, abandoning a lone suitcase. 

Shortly after, another suitcase was discovered nearby. Human remains were found in both cases.

Investigations conducted by officers from Avon and Somerset police and the Metropolitan police indicated that the individual in question had made a journey from London to Bristol on the same day. 

The reason for this journey, which is believed to be related to the incident, is currently under investigation. In a turn of events, the Met assumed control of the investigation.

Authorities made a significant discovery on Friday when additional human remains were uncovered in a flat located in Scotts Road, Shepherd's Bush, a neighborhood in west London. 

These findings are strongly suspected to be linked to the two previous incidents.

According to the Met, officers have expressed confidence in their knowledge of the two men's identities. However, formal identification still needs to be completed.

At approximately 9:20 am on Saturday, a police forensic services van made its way to the crime scene in Shepherd's Bush. A cordon was set up in the area, with three officers standing guard.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Greenwich on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation.

He has since been released without charge. The man, who was initially a person of interest, was found to have no connection to the case after a thorough investigation and questioning.

The bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864, finally reopened on Thursday after a closure that significantly disrupted the daily commute of around 11,000 to 12,000 vehicles.