A man and a woman have been killed and three others injured in a suspicious explosion at a house in Bristol, prompting a major incident response from emergency services.
Incident Details
Avon and Somerset Police were called to a domestic-related incident at an address on Sterncourt Road at approximately 6:17 AM on Sunday. Officers were en route when an explosion occurred inside the property just after 6:30 AM.
The blast resulted in the deaths of a man and a woman at the scene. Three individuals—a man, a woman, and a child—were taken to hospital with minor injuries. All five occupants were within the same property at the time of the explosion.
Police Response
Superintendent Matt Ebbs confirmed that the explosion is being treated as suspicious, but not as a terrorist incident. Police are not seeking any other suspects in connection with the event. A search is underway at a separate property in Speedwell linked to the deceased man.
A cordon remains in place around Sterncourt Road, and residents within the cordoned area were evacuated to a temporary rest centre. Emergency services, including police cars, vans, an ambulance, and a bomb disposal team, were deployed. There is no significant damage to nearby properties.
Community Impact
Local residents described the neighbourhood as typically quiet and friendly. Bradley Shepherd, who lives nearby on Bradeston Grove, reported being jolted awake by a loud explosion and seeing police and armed officers arrive within minutes. The entire neighbourhood was evacuated within 15 to 20 minutes and directed to a local Harvester restaurant.
Police will maintain patrols in the area to provide reassurance and advice. The cordon is expected to remain in place until at least Sunday evening. The College of Policing defines a major incident as an event with serious consequences requiring special arrangements by emergency responder agencies.
Families of the deceased are being supported by specially trained officers.
