TWO people arrested on suspicion of murder remain in police custody today (Friday) after police found two suitcases containing human remains.

Gloucestershire Police said a member of the public reported suspicions about a vehicle due to its manner of driving shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday.

The car had been travelling on the A4136 near Coleford, less than three miles from the popular Symonds Yat Rock beauty spot near Ross-on-Wye, and was located by officers a short time later, with two people spoken to.

Two suitcases were found to contain human remains and two people, a woman in her twenties from Birmingham and a man in his thirties from Wolverhampton, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They remain in custody today (Friday), police in Gloucestershire confirmed.

A post-mortem examination yesterday was found to be inconclusive and further examinations are ongoing to establish the cause of death. DNA testing is also ongoing to identify the victim.

Searches have continued today around the area of Stowfield Quarry, near Coleford in the Forest of Dean and some road closures remain in place in the surrounding area.

Police thanked local residents and those impacted by the closures for their patience throughout the investigation.

Searches have taken place at premises in both Birmingham and Wolverhampton following the arrests of the pair.

Detective Chief Inspector John Turner said on Thursday: “The nature of this incident is distressing and we’re working around the clock to fully understand what has happened.

“Someone’s life has been lost and our priority is to identify the victim and get answers for her family.

“Searches have taken place in the surrounding area for evidence gathering and contrary to media reports, no remains have been found as part of these searches.

“Our major crime investigation team is working in collaboration with the West Midlands Police homicide team to carry out further inquiries.”