Neighbours 'devastated' after couple's remains are found in a suitcase (2024)

Neighbours of a former couple whose body parts were found in a suitcase on Clifton Suspension Bridge have been left 'devastated' by their shock deaths - as a 34-year-old man appeared in court today charged with murder.

Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, has been charged with the murders of 62-year-old French national Albert Alfonso and his British ex-partner, 71-year-old Paul Longworth.

Detectives made the grisly discovery on Wednesday after two suitcases were left on the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol before further remains were found at the victims' flat in Scotts Road, west London, on Friday.

Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth, who was just days away from retiring and going travelling, had previously been in a relationship and still lived together at the flat in Shepherd's Bush.

They were known to the suspect, who had been staying with them for a short period of time, police said.

A woman who lives opposite their flat told MailOnline: 'Albert and Paul were lovely guys. It's devastating. They were both really friendly and polite and smiled a lot.

'I last saw Paul a month or so ago in the pub and he told me that he was retiring. He told me 'I've only got two days left that I have to go to work'.

'He was really happy about it. He said he was also due to go to Pride in Brighton.

'Paul and Albert had lived together for years. They were really quiet. There was never any issues with them. The police had never been called to their flat or anything like that. I haven't heard anything out of the ordinary these last few days. It's so sad.'

Mr Longworth was a regular at the Shepherd and Flock pub close to his flat.

A member of staff told MailOnline: 'He used to sit at the end of the bar. He told me recently that he had just retired and was looking forward to travelling more.'

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

Mosquera, of Shepherd's Bush, west London, was remanded in custody earlier today after appearing before a judge.

The defendant, assisted by a Spanish interpreter, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth in a short hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear for a hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

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

Evidence in the investigation so far has not pointed to a hom*ophobic motive, the Met said, but it has been classified as a hate crime under national guidelines.

This will be reviewed if clearer evidence emerges, while officers are also working to establish whether there are any linked offences or incidents in the UK or overseas to 'build a full picture of the circ*mstances', though none has yet been identified.

Avon and Somerset Police officers were first alerted to a man acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday night.

They swooped on the scene within 10 minutes, where they found two suitcases containing human remains.

The suspect, who had travelled there by taxi, had already fled the scene.

Further remains were found at the west London address on Friday.

Mosquera, of Scotts Road, west London, was arrested by armed police at Bristol Temple Meads Station in the early hours of Saturday.

Hewill appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court later today.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Greenwich, south-east London, on Friday but was released without charge.

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.'