Police have discovered more human remains at a flat in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, as part of an investigation into body parts found in suitcases on the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Scotland Yard has named 24-year-old Colombian national Yostin Andres Mosquera as the suspect in connection with the grisly discovery.
Mosquera, whose exact date of arrival in the UK is unknown, is being sought after body parts of two men were found in suitcases left on the iconic bridge in Bristol on Wednesday. Following the initial discovery, attention shifted to a flat in Scotts Road, Shepherd’s Bush, where more remains believed to be from the same victims were found.
A 36-year-old man arrested earlier has been released without charge. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine stated, “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.
Police believe Mosquera knew both victims. Authorities are urging the public to provide any information on his whereabouts.
The investigation has revealed that Mosquera, who is also a rugby enthusiast, was connected to the victims. Officers believe the murders and subsequent dismemberment occurred in Shepherd’s Bush. Detectives are currently conducting a thorough search of the area.
A helicopter was seen circling the crime scene on Friday afternoon, while police officers guarded a cordoned-off area of bins below a high-rise building.
The discovery of the suitcases on the Clifton Suspension Bridge was made shortly before midnight on Wednesday, following reports of a man acting suspiciously. By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled, leaving the suitcases behind. Witnesses described a bearded black man wearing a black Adidas baseball cap, black jeans, and black trainers with thick white soles.
Local resident Anthony Priest, 85, recalled the early morning police activity. I heard a police car coming down, with lights flashing. It must have been about half past three,” he said.
The suspect is believed to have travelled from London to Bristol on Wednesday evening, carrying the suitcases. Efforts to identify and speak with the next of kin of the victims are ongoing. Police have set up a cordon around a block of flats in Shepherd’s Bush as the manhunt continues.
Assistant Bristol Commander Supt Vicks Hayward-Melen addressed the media, stating, “The discovery of human remains in two suitcases on the Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday night has understandably caused shock and deep concern. Forensic post-mortem examinations are still being carried out, but are believed to be those of two adult males.”
The Metropolitan Police have taken over the investigation and are drawing on resources across the force to locate Mosquera. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Valentine emphasized the collaboration between London and Bristol detectives, stating, “This work leads us to believe the man we need to speak to travelled to Bristol from London earlier on Wednesday evening.
Eyewitness accounts from Clifton describe two men struggling to carry the suitcases, with one local even joking about their contents. Giles Malone, who witnessed the scene, recounted, “A man and another man got out of another car across the street and they were lifting these suitcases across the road for some reason, right by us.
The incident has prompted a massive emergency response, with forensics officers working at both crime scenes. A taxi believed to be connected to the suspect is undergoing forensic examination.
Michael Mulcahy, a concerned resident, expressed his horror at the crime. “It’s horrific to think someone has been chopped up and put in a suitcase. I think the guy must have gone there with the intention of chucking them over the side of the bridge. But those safety rails are very high – it would take some effort to pitch a heavy suitcase over the top.”
Authorities are urging the public not to approach Mosquera if spotted, but to dial 999 immediately. The Clifton Suspension Bridge remains closed as investigations continue.
