A deadly house explosion inBristolwhich killed two people occurred minutes after a man “forced entry” into the house, police have revealed.
Jo Shaw, 35, was killed in the blast at the house inBristolon Sunday morning, which also saw her former partner Ryan Kelly, 41, die from fatal injuries.
Avon and Somerset Policesaid officers were called to a domestic-related incident just minutes before the incident.
At 6.17am, police received a call from a person in the house who said a man, who they knew, had forced entry to the house.
Several double-crewed units were initially dispatched to the address and the caller remained on the line. Two minutes later, an explosion occurred at the property.
At approximately 6.30am, the caller said the the man was believed to be in possession of an explosive device.
The first officers arrived at the property at 6.34am and were joined by the fire and ambulance services shortly afterwards.
A referral would be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previously reported domestic-related incidents.
Three other people, including a child, suffered minor injuries during the incident at a house in Sterncourt Road.
Superintendent Matt Ebbs said: “Jo’s death has been officially recorded as ahomicidebased on the information known to us at this time. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
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“We would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any wider risk to safety and this is not being treated as terrorism-related.
“As previously stated, we believe the cause of the explosion to be deliberate. Analysis work of the explosive device has not yet been completed.”
Officers worked with Bristol City Council to evacuate people staying in neighbouring properties as a precaution and a temporary rest centre set up.
Extensive searches were carried out by the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and specialist police officers to ensure the area was safe before the cordon was reduced on Sunday night and almost all residents were allowed to return home.
A search of an address in Speedwell linked to Mr Kelly concluded over the bank holiday weekend. No evacuations were required at that location.
Supt Ebbs added: “Police activity continues to be carried out at the property in Sterncourt Road and we expect this will take several days to be completed.
“We would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any wider risk to safety and this is not being treated as terrorism-related.
“As previously stated, we believe the cause of the explosion to be deliberate. Analysis work of the explosive device has not yet been completed.
“We will share all details of our enquiries with the coroner so they can make a final determination around how the deaths occurred in due course.
“Officers remain in the area and people can speak to them if they have concerns they wish to discuss with us.
“Finally, we would like to reiterate our thanks to emergency services, other agencies and volunteers for their support over the weekend. This remains a challenging and complex enquiry, and we are ensuring our officers and staff have access to any support they need.”
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