15 July 2024 , 09:37
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Both of the victims were known to the man arrested and he had been staying with them at a flat in west London for a short period of time, police say.
A man has been charged with murder following the discovery of human remains in two suitcases in Bristol and a London flat - as the victims have been named.
Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, of Scotts Road, west London, was arrested in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday morning.
He was charged in the early hours of Monday with two counts of murder and will appear in custody later today at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
The Metropolitan Police said it is not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the murders.
The two victims can now be named 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.
A police tent on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
They had previously been in a relationship and still lived together at the flat in Scotts Road.
Both victims were known to the man arrested and he had been staying with them at the Scotts Road flat for a short period of time, police said.
The bodies were discovered by officers after they received a report of a man acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol on Wednesday night.
Further remains were found at the London address on Friday.
The Met Police said the evidence gathered so far does not suggest there was a homophobic motive, but the case has been classified as a hate crime under national guidelines.
It said this would be reviewed as any further evidence of a specific motive becomes available.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said his thoughts are with "Albert and Paul’s loved ones who are coming to terms with this terrible news".
He said: "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 inquiries 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."
He added: "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."