Suspected suitcase killer pictured on vacation with victims

Suitcase ‘murder’ victims Paul Longworth and Albert Alfonso recently enjoyed a holiday with the man suspected of killing them, according to photographs of the group.

Pictures on social media appear to show British 71-year-old Mr Longwith smiling alongside former partner, French national Albert Alfonso, 62, and alleged killer Yostin Andres Mosquera.

The trio, who are believed to have visited Mosquera’s home country of Colombia, could be seen relaxing on a beach and drinking from cans under a large parasol as workers milled in the background.

Another picture appears to show the trio sitting at the back of a boat, wearing life vests, with beautiful views over the bay.

Mosquera, 34, was remanded in custody when he appeared before Wimbledon Magistrates Court today charged with murder.

Assisted by a Spanish language interpreter, he stood with his arms folded and was smiling when he came into the dock, wearing a grey tracksuit with tidy black hair and a beard.

Yostin Andres Mosquera (left) has been charged with two counts of murder after human remains were found in Bristol and London. Police have named the two victims as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso (centre) and 71-year-old Paul Longworth (right)

Mosquera (left) is believed to have been on holiday in his native Colombia with Mr Alfonso (centre) and Mr Longworth (right) 

Court sketch of Mosquera, 34, who appeared before magistrates in Wimbledon today 

Mosquera (pictured) has been charged with two counts of murder

He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday charged with two counts of murder.

Detectives made the grisly discovery on Wednesday last week after two suitcases were left on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol before further remains were found at the victims’ flat in Shepherd’s Bush, 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.

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.’

A forensic tent on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, where human remains were discovered in two suitcases

Forensic officers attending an address in Scotts Road, Sherpherd’s Bush, west London, after human remains were discovered 

Avon and Somerset police launched an appeal to find the suspect

The Met said evidence in the investigation so far has not pointed to a homophobic motive, 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 circumstances’, though none has yet been identified.

Following the announcement of Mosquera being charged, 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 Shepherd’s 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.’

Police were alerted just before midnight on Wednesday by bridge staff about a man acting ‘suspiciously’ – but by the time officers arrived, the man had fled the scene, leaving his luggage behind.

He is believed to have left the bridge in the direction of Leigh Woods with one witness saying he was pursued by a cyclist.

Mosquera was arrested in the Bristol area in the early hours of Saturday following a joint operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police and Avon and Somerset Police.