15 July 2024 , 08:12
699
0
A man has been charged with the murder of two men after the discovery of human remains in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge and a flat in west London.
Yostin Andres Mosquera, of Scotts Road, Shepherd’s Bush, was arrested in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The two victims have today been named as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth, who used to be a couple.
Mosquera had stayed with them for awhile at the property at Scotts Road.
Police were called to the suspension bridge after Mosquera was spotted exiting a taxi around midnight on July 10.
A forensic tent on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol (Picture: SWNS)
The Colombian national was challenged after a suitcase was seen leaking blood.
One witness, a cyclist, chased the 34-year-old while filming him until the suspect turned around and appeared to push him.
Stills from the video – showing a bearded Mosquera wearing a backpack, black clothes and an Adidas cap – were shared by police as they hunted the suspect.
Armed officers arrested him at Temple Meads train station in Bristol on Saturday.
He was taken to London for questioning as part of a joint operation involving the Metropolitan Police and Avon & Somerset Police, and charged today.
More details have since been released about the two victims. Paul was from the UK, while Albert was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship.
Albert and Paul had previously been in a relationship and still lived together at the flat in Scotts Road.
Both victims were known to Mosquera and he had been staying with them for a short period of time.
Human remains found at a property in London are believed to be connected to those discovered in suitcases in Bristol (Picture: Guilhem Baker/LNP)
Deputy assistant commissioner Andy Valentine said: ‘My thoughts are first and foremost with Albert and Paul’s loved ones who are coming to terms with this terrible news.
‘While we do not believe either of them had any close family, we have identified other next of kin who have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. We are continuing to try and identify any extended family members.
‘I know that this awful incident will cause concern not just among residents in Shepherds Bush but in the wider LGBTQ+ community across London.
‘I hope it will be of some reassurance that whilst enquiries are still ongoing and the investigation is at a relatively early stage, we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the two murders.’
A helicopter was seen circling above Scotts Road in Shepherd’s Bush on Friday afternoon as officers cordoned off an area of bins below a high-rise building, with a private ambulance arriving at 6.30pm.
Forensic officers wearing blue suits and masks could be seen working behind the cordon at the crime scene in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, on Saturday morning.
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘While searching a flat in Scotts Road, W12 on Friday, July 12, officers found human remains which are in the process of being sensitively removed.
‘Additional post-mortem examinations will be arranged as soon as possible.’
Mosquera will appear in custody later today at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.