An image has been released of a man wanted after two suitcases filled with human remains were dumped near Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Witnesses described seeing a man acting suspiciously after getting out of the taxi with one of the cases at the Bristol landmark at around midnight.
One of them is believed to have taken the picture as he fled before police arrived 10 minutes later.
The victim’s identity is currently unknown. The taxi driver has been found and he is helping police with their inquiries.
The wanted man is described as Black with a beard and was wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, a black jacket, black trainers with thick white soles and had a black backpack.
It is believed he left the bridge and headed in the direction of Leigh Woods.
Anyone who sees him should call 999 immediately.
The bridge has been closed in both directions since 6.30am while Avon and Somerset Police carry out forensics investigations.
The Coastguard has also been drafted in to help with the search and a post mortem was expected to take place today.
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Forensics are at the scene combing the area for clues as the bridge remains closed to traffic and pedestrians.
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.’
Bristol Central MP and co-leader of the Green Party Carla Denyer called this development ‘deeply disturbing’.
She tweeted: ‘I am deeply disturbed by the horrifying discovery of human remains at Clifton Suspension Bridge overnight.
‘Distressing events like this are unsettling for all of us who call Bristol home and are proud of our city.
‘Thank you @ASPolice for your swift action. I am in contact with authorities and will do anything I can to support a swift and thorough investigation.’
The major bridge between Bristol and north Somerset has been closed since 6.30am this morning and will remain closed all day to traffic and pedestrians.
Where is the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
Clifton Suspension Bridge is 1.7 miles west of Bristol city centre.
The Grade I listed landmark spans the Avon Gorge and was designed and made famous by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel who opened it in 1864.
While the famous landmark was designed for light horse drawn carriages, it now meets the demands of the 21st century as 11,000 to 12,000 vehicles cross it each day.
It is a key crossing for people travelling from North Somerset to the affluent area of Clifton – where house prices sell for an average of £533,217, around £200,000 more than the average.
The bridge has been closed between Observatory Road and North Road since this morning.
A statement from Clifton Suspension Bridge said: “TRAFFIC UPDATE: Due to a police incident, the Bridge and Visitor Centre are CLOSED all day today (11th JULY) to ALL traffic and pedestrians. We apologise for the disruption.”
Four forensic vehicles were seen earlier parked up on the North Somerset side of the bridge.
A private ambulance was also seen earlier arriving at this side of the bridge.
Much of the west of the city has come to a standstill as a result of the closure.
Many drivers travelling into the city from North Somerset use the bridge so it is expected to add to the congestion throughout the day.
According to traffic data from Google, traffic is already building on the A4 Portway which is another major road into the city.
Traffic is also at a standstill back towards the A369 coming into Bristol from Leigh Woods to Ashton Gate Stadium.
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