Two arrested as human remains discovered inside suitcases in Gloucestershire

Human remains have been discovered inside two suitcases after police stopped a car in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.

Officers pulled over the car after it had been reported by a member of the public due to its driving, on the A4136 close to the English-Welsh border in Coleford.

Officers believe the victim is female and are currently working to identify her.

A woman from Birmingham in her 20s, and a man from Wolverhampton in his 30s are being held on suspicion of murder.

Searches have taken place at premises in both Birmingham and Wolverhampton following the arrests.

Tents were quickly erected following the discovery just outside of Coleford. Credit: Gloucestershire Live

Police say they were called to the vehicle after suspicions had been reported about its driving shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday 12 May.

A post-mortem examination yesterday [May 14] was found to be inconclusive and further examinations are ongoing to establish the cause of death.

DNA testing is also ongoing to identify the female victim.

Some road closures remain in place in the surrounding area. Credit: ITV News West Country

Christel Powles is local to the area and takes her dog on regular walks around the area currently being searched.

She's described the incident as 'shocking'.

Searches have continued today [May 15] around the area of Stowfield Quarry, near Coleford and some road closures remain in place in the surrounding area.