Man and woman found carrying human remains in suitcase along English-Welsh border

Unconfirmed reports claim human torso found in luggage after pair stopped in Forest of Dean

A man and woman have been arrested after a police officer caught them “carrying a suitcase with human remains inside” along a road.

The pair were reportedly stopped by an officer who became suspicious after he spotted them walking along a road in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, with the piece of luggage.

A torso was allegedly discovered inside the case and other body parts have reportedly since been found in the area, although this has not been confirmed by police.

The A4136 has been sealed off between Monmouth and Coleford and a woman in her 20s, from Birmingham, and a man in his 30s, from Wolverhampton, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Forensic investigators are working to identify the victim, with a post-mortem examination due to take place.

Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary have been granted more time to question the suspects, who were stopped at 11.30pm on Tuesday.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said in a statement on Thursday: “Officers have been granted a 36-hour magistrates’ extension to continue questioning two people who were arrested on suspicion of murder.

“Overnight, a 12-hour custody extension had been granted for both the woman aged in her 20s and from Birmingham and the man aged in his 30s and from Wolverhampton.

“The further 36-hour extension was granted at around midday today, Thursday, and means they can remain in custody for further questioning.

“Forensic testing is ongoing to establish the identity of the victim after human remains were found by police shortly after 11.30pm on Tuesday 12 May. A post-mortem examination is also taking place.”

Police said road closures are expected to remain in place for at least the rest of Thursday.