To receive free real-time news alerts directly to your inbox, sign up for our news emails
Sign up for our free news emails
Two “lovely” men whose remains were found in suitcases in Bristol, at Clifton Suspension Bridge and in a London flat have been photographed for the first time.
The victims were identified by the Metropolitan Police on Monday as Albert Alfonso, 62, originally from France but with British citizenship, and Paul Longworth, 71, a Briton.
The men had previously been in a relationship and still lived together in a flat on Scotts Road in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, with neighbours describing the couple as “very nice”, “calm” and “happy”.
Their remains were found in two suitcases dumped near the Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday, while more remains were found at a Scotts Road address on Friday.
Police said Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the killings. Mosquera, of Scotts Road in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, will appear in custody at Wimbledon Crown Court on Monday.
Both victims were known to Mosquera and he had been residing with them at the Scotts Road address for a short period of time, police said.
Rebecca, a local resident who lives across the street from the victims, said: “I’ve been here 26 years, so they’ve been here forever. They seemed calm, happy, cheerful, greeting everyone. The smallest one, Albert, was on his bike.”
She said police “broke down the door” of the address early Friday morning.
“All I heard was this morning my mom got up at 4:30,” she said. “My mom woke up to dogs barking, she went outside and saw police in riot gear coming into the building.”
Martha, a resident who lives next door to the two men, said: “I’ve lived here for 11 years. They were a very nice couple, very polite, kind and calm.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “They were just lovely guys.”
The investigation has not yet revealed any homophobic motivation, police said, but the incident has been classified as a hate crime under national guidelines.
The case will be reviewed if clearer evidence emerges, while officers are also working to establish whether there are any offences or incidents linked to the UK or abroad to “build up a full picture of the circumstances”, although none have yet been identified.
Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the loved ones of Albert and Paul as they cope with this terrible news.
“While we do not believe any of them had close family, we have identified other relatives who have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers. We are continuing to try to identify extended family members.
“I know this terrible incident will cause concern not only to the people of Shepherd’s Bush, but to the wider LGBTQ+ community in London. I hope it will reassure you to know that whilst inquiries are ongoing and the investigation is at a relatively early stage, we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with either murder.
“The police have been working with London’s Independent LGBTQ+ Advisory Group (IAG) since the identities of the two victims and their sexual orientation were established. Their advice, expertise and support to the investigation has been invaluable.
“We will continue to work with them and other partners, including local IAGs, as the investigation and police response continues.”
Mosquera was arrested in the Bristol area in the early hours of Saturday following a joint operation by the Metropolitan Police and Avon and Somerset Police.
