A manhunt is launched after two suitcases containing human remains are found at the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Officers were called to the bridge late on Wednesday to a man acting suspiciously on the bridge
When police arrived 10 minutes later, the man had fled leaving the two suitcases at the scene
CCTV of the man has been released by police, who described him as black, with a beard
Detectives "not aware of any current risk to the wider public" but anyone who sees him is asked to call 999
Police described the man they are searching for as black, with a beard.
He was pictured wearing an Adidas baseball cap, black trainers with thick white soles.
He was also wearing a gold earring and carrying a black backpack.
The police press conference is about to start.
We'll bring you all the details of what is said here.
A press conference by the Clifton Suspension Bridge is set to be held within 30 minutes by Avon and Somerset Police.
Mr Wright said he could see that the wheels had broken off one of the suitcases.
"They (police) found the other suitcase which was when I realised what I saw definitely wasn’t a traffic box it was a suitcase.
"The (bridge) toll guard asked which way we were going and advised us to leave before the bridge closed."
Mr Wright said he "heard commotion" behind him and saw a cyclist "chasing a man".
"I thought this was all strange and odd but tried to remain calm," Mr Wright said.
"I could see the cyclist had reached the guy down the hill and they had a quick interaction.
"We saw that and then turned around and walked back the way we came.
"Then the cyclist came back towards us alone when we got back to the Leigh Woods side of the bridge."
Witness Reece Wright told the BBC he was with his partner when he saw the suitcase.
"We started walking towards the Leigh Woods side towards Burwalls when we saw another suitcase, a silver one.
"I thought it was a bit odd. I tried to remain calm. I thought it was a temporary traffic light electric box."
Image source, Reece WrightUniversity of Bristol student, Reece Wright, was walking near the bridge on Wednesday night and told the BBC he had seen one of the suitcases.
"It was all very unexpected. I was trying to rationalise it when I saw the blood", said the 20-year-old.
"I thought someone had had a fight and then saw the suitcase and thought it was weird.
"It was a frightening experience, but you don’t realise that at the time.
"As I sat on the bridge after, I realised it was something bigger.
"I just moved into Clifton recently in my second year at university. I never expected to see anything like this."
Steve Knibbs
BBC West
Officer carries evidence bag inside police cordon
I’m on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge. In the last hour several forensic vans have left. Officers were seen putting evidence bags inside. It seems the main search and evidence gathering operation here has paused for the moment.
Neighbours are coming out of their houses and asking me what’s going on as police at the cordon aren’t allowed to say anything. The people I’ve spoken to didn’t see anything last night. They did hear the police helicopter from around 12:20 BST and say they’re horrified at what happened
There are many people turning up hoping to get over the bridge but soon realising it’ll be closed for most of the day.
So for now it’s quiet as we await the police press conference on the other side of the bridge.
Forensics van leaves
Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, has called the incident "distressing and disturbing" for local people.
"I have been fully briefed by Avon and Somerset Police about this incident and I can confirm they are focusing resources on locating the man they are seeking and identifying the remains and informing the family members," she added.
As we've heard, police have closed the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol in both directions, where cordons are in place around the crime scene.
Officers were called to the city's historic bridge at 23:57 BST on Wednesday.
The bridge connects Clifton in Bristol and Leigh Woods in North Somerset.
Writing on Twitter, external, Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer said: "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."
She thanked Avon and Somerset Police for its "swift action".
Our reporter Steve Knibbs is at the scene where police officers have closed the roads around the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
You can click on the video below to see Steve run through what we know so far.
Beth Cruse
BBC News, West of England
It's a waiting game at the Bristol side of the suspension bridge where members of the media are awaiting a press conference from police which is due to happen sometime after 15:45 BST.
Members of the public are being turned away from the bridge, however the observatory point is still open as is the suspension bridge playground.
A helicopter has just begun circling again.
The bridge has been closed this last night and is blocked off with police vehicles and tape
Acting Bristol Commander at Avon and Somerset Police Vicks Hayward-Melen said it was “a very disturbing incident" and she recognised the concern it would cause in the area.
“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.
“There is currently an increased police presence in the area and anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.”
Image source, ADS-B ExchangeA helicopter deployed as part of the search circled the area around the Clifton Suspension Bridge at about 00:58 BST on Thursday.
Flight tracking website ADS-B shows the helicopter flew above the Hotwells, Clifton and Bedminster parts of the city, among others, and Ashton Court and Leigh Woods in North Somerset.
Image source, ADS-B ExchangeAvon and Somerset Police are expected to give an update on the investigation at some time after 15:45 BST in a press conference at the bridge.
We'll bring you all the details from that when it begins.
The roads around the bridge, as well as surrounding footpaths, remain closed while investigators examine the area.
They are expected to be closed all day.
Beth Cruse
BBC News, West of England
The pathway and road to the bridge on the Bristol side is blocked off with police tape
I’m standing on Suspension Bridge Road which is currently completely blocked off to traffic on the Bristol side with cars and pedestrians being turned away.
There are about three police officers stationed on this side of the bridge and a helicopter is circling the area.
Children are playing outside near the bridge at the playground.
Avon and Somerset Police's initial enquiries have established that the man they are searching for was taken to the bridge in a taxi.
The force said that the vehicle had been seized and the driver is helping officers.
Officers then discovered a second suitcase a short time later.
Police believe both contain human remains.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said a post-mortem examination would take place later on Thursday.