Police charge west London man with murder after human remains found in Bristol
A man has been charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of two men whose remains were found in suitcases in Bristol and at a flat in Shepherd’s Bush last week.
Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, of Scotts Road, Shepherd’s Bush, was charged in the early hours this morning with two counts of murder and will appear in custody later today at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
Mosquera was arrested in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The men, whose remains were discovered in suitcases on Clifton Suspension Bridge, have been named by the Met as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and Paul Longworth, 71, who had previously been in a relationship.
The Met said Mr Longworth was British, while Mr Alfonso was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship.
Both victims were known to Mosquera who had been staying with them at the Scotts Road flat for a short period of time.
Evidence in the investigation so far has not pointed to a homophobic motive, Scotland Yard said, but it has been classified as a hate crime under national guidelines.
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.
“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.”
Avon and Somerset police were called at around midnight last Wednesday after a man was reported to have been seen acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Officers arrived less than 10 minutes later and the man had left the scene, leaving behind one suitcase. A second suitcase was found nearby a short time later. Both were found to contain human remains.
Inquiries carried out by officers from Avon and Somerset police and the Met suggested a suspect had travelled to Bristol from London earlier the same day. As a result, the Met took over the investigation.
On Friday, police found further human remains in a flat in Scotts Road, Shepherd’s Bush, west London, with the two incidents believed to be connected.
Anyone who has information that may assist the investigation is urged to call police on 101 with the reference 306/12JUL. Information can also be provided to the LGBTQ+ charity Galop by visiting www.galop.org.uk
To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(Picture: The Met)
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