Manhunt moves to London as more remains are found

The Metropolitan Police has taken over the manhunt for a suspect in London after human remains were found in two suitcases in Bristol on Wednesday.

- TARA COBHAM

Overnight, the suspect sought by police investigating the deaths of the two men found at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol has been named as 24-year-old Colombian national Yostin Andres Mosquera, the Met said. It comes after more human remains were found at an address in Shepherd's Bush, west London.

Police said officers found the remains at the house in Scotts Road W12 yesterday and they are believed to be connected to those found in the suitcases dumped near Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday.

Both of those victims are thought to have been known to Mosquera and the Met is appealing for information on his whereabouts.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said in a statement: "This is a fast-moving enquiry with detectives in London and Bristol actively pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. Locating Yostin Andres Mosquera, however, is the priority and I appeal to anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in touch."

Eyewitnesses have described how the man, who arrived at the bridge on Wednesday in a taxi, was challenged after a "tatty" suitcase was seen to be leaking blood. He then fled the scene, reportedly chased by a cyclist, and made off in the direction of Leigh Woods, leaving the suitcase behind.

A major manhunt was launched, with officers releasing images of the suspect, who the Met said is thought to have travelled to Bristol from London earlier that day. Detectives from the Met are now leading the investigation into the incident.

A helicopter was circling above the crime scene in Scott's Road yesterday afternoon, as four police officers guarded tape, which cordoned off an area of bins below a high-rise building. A private ambulance arrived at the scene at 6.30pm. Local resident Anthony Priest, 85, said: “I heard them all tearing down here in the early hours of the morning. I heard a police car coming down, with lights flashing."