A murder inquiry has been launched after police found the remains of a woman hidden in two suitcases near the English-Welsh border. The investigation began after a member of the public reported suspicions to the police about a vehicle being driven erratically in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. Police found the vehicle in the dark, spoke to two people, and then found the two suitcases. Officers are not certain but believe there is one victim, a woman. They have been given until Friday night to question two people – a woman in her 20s from Birmingham and a man in his 30s from Wolverhampton. Gloucestershire police said in a statement: “Shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday 12 May a member of the public reported suspicions to police about a vehicle due to its manner of driving. “It had been travelling on the A4136 near Coleford and officers in the local area were advised. The vehicle was located by police a short while later and two people were spoken to. “Two suitcases were found to contain human remains and two people were subsequently arrested. They remain in police custody. A vehicle was also seized. Investigating officers believe there is one victim, a woman, and forensic examinations are ongoing to confirm her identity.” The senior investigating officer, DCI John Turner, said: “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 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 enquiries.” The search was launched around Stowfield quarry and the village of Staunton, close to the Welsh border. There was a large police presence in the area, with several roads around the scene closed and a police helicopter hovering overhead. Three tents were set up near the quarry. A Gloucestershire police spokesman said on Thursday afternoon: “Officers have been granted a 36-hour magistrates’ extension to continue questioning two people who were arrested on suspicion of murder. “Overnight a 12-hour custody extension had been granted for both the woman aged in her 20s and from Birmingham and the man aged in his 30s and from Wolverhampton. The further 36-hour extension was granted at around midday today and means they can remain in custody for further questioning. “Due to the ongoing investigation, road closures and scene guards are likely to remain in place. Gloucestershire constabulary would like to thank local residents and those impacted by the cordons for their patience during this time.” The quarry is on Staunton Road, and the closed section also contains a fishery, a former sawmill that now contains a storage unit, several houses and a campsite. The spot is close to the rivers Wye and Monnow. Key workers had to find detours through the lanes around the area, and people initially thought the roadblocks had been set up to stop people travelling from England to Wales to exercise. Under Welsh law, people are only able to exercise in their local area.