Police have launched a manhunt after two suitcases were found containing human remains by Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed an investigation has been launched to find the man who left the suitcases and identify the deceased.
The force said officers received a report at 23:57 BST on Wednesday of a man with a suitcase acting suspiciously on the bridge.
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 police said the man was taken to the bridge, that connects Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset, in a taxi.
The taxi driver’s vehicle has been seized and the driver is helping officers, the force added.
Officers arrived at the bridge within 10 minutes of the report – but the man had already left the area and left behind a suitcase.
A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later, police said.
The roads around the bridge, as well as surrounding footpaths, remain closed on Thursday while investigators examine the area. They are expected to be closed all day.
Searches for the man involved Avon and Somerset, the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard.
The police helicopter was tracked over the bridge on Wednesday night.
Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “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 that a post-mortem examination will take place later today.