The two men whose remains were found in Bristol and London last week belong to a British man and his French ex-partner, police have revealed – as a 34-year-old man who had been staying with them is charged with two counts of murder.
Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, of Scotts Road, west London, will appear in custody later today at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
The remains were found in two suitcases dumped near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol on Wednesday, while further remains were found at an address in Scotts Road on Friday.
Police have today named the two victims as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth. Mr Longworth was British and Mr Alfonso was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship.
The two men had previously been in a relationship and still lived together at a flat in Scotts Road.
Police have named the two victims as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso (left) and 71-year-old Paul Longworth (right)
A forensics tent set up on Clifton Suspension Bridge where suitcases full of human remains were found
Police also discovered remains at a flat in Shepherd’s Bush, west London
They were known to the suspect, who had been staying with them for a short period of time, police said.
Police said that they do not believe there was a ‘homophobic motive’ from the evidence gathered so far, but they have initially categorised the incident 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.’
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.
A picture of the moment staff on Clifton Suspension Bridge uncovered the grisly contents of the cases
An aerial shot of a forensic tent on the Clifton Suspension Bridge on July 11
Forensic investigators in white suits seen working behind a police cordon on Clifton Suspension bridge
Forensic officers remove evidence from a property in west London last week
Police on the scene at Scotts Road in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, last week
