Man in court charged with murder after bodies found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge

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A man accused of murdering two men whose remains were found in suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol has been remanded in custody.

Yostin Andres Mosquera was charged with murdering 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth earlier on Monday 15 July.

He is accused of carrying out the killings between 8 and 10 July in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

The 34-year-old appeared for an initial hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday. He was assisted by a Spanish interpreter but spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Yostin Andres Mosquera has been charged with two counts of murder. Credit: PA/Liz Cook

Mosquere, of Scotts Road, in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, will next appear for a hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday 17 July.

Lead magistrate Christina Ruiz told him: “You are remanded in custody as this court has no powers to consider bail.”

Mosquera was arrested in the Bristol area in the early hours of Saturday following a joint operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police and Avon and Somerset Police.

The human remains were found in two suitcases dumped near Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday 10 July, while further remains were found at an address in Scotts Road on Friday 12 July.

Human remains were found in two suitcases at Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday. Credit: ITV News

The Metropolitain Police is now leading on the investigation and say Mr Longworth and Mr Alfonso had previously been in a relationship and still lived together at a flat in Scotts Road.

Both victims were known to Mosquera and he had been staying with them at the Scotts Road address for a short period of time, police said.

Mr Longworth was British and Mr Alfonso was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship.

Forensic officers at an address in Shepherd's Bush, London. Credit: PA

The Met says evidence so far has not pointed to a homophobic motive, the Met said, but it has been classified as a hate crime under national guidelines.

Following the announcement of Mosquera being charged, 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.

The human remains were found in two suitcases on and near to Clifton Suspension Bridge. Credit: BPM Media

“I know that this awful incident will cause concern not just among residents in Shepherd’s 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 deaths.

“Officers have worked with the pan-London LGBTQ+ Independent Advisory Group (IAG) since the identity of the two victims and their sexuality was established. Their advice, expertise and support for the investigation has been extremely valuable.

“We will continue to work with them, and with other partners including local IAGs, as the investigation and the policing response continues.”