A man and a woman have died, and three other individuals, including a child, were taken to hospital following a suspicious explosion at a residential property in Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident after the blast occurred at an address on Sterncourt Road at approximately 6:30 AM on Sunday.
Officers responded to a call about a domestic-related incident at the house shortly before the explosion. Upon arrival, they discovered the scene of the blast. The cause of the explosion is being treated as suspicious, but authorities have stated it is not believed to be a terrorist-related event.
Casualties and Response
Superintendent Matt Ebbs confirmed that a woman and a man died at the address. Three others—a man, a woman, and a child—sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. All five individuals were inside the same property at the time of the explosion.
Police have stated they are not searching for any additional suspects in connection with the incident. A bomb disposal unit was deployed to the scene, and a cordon was established around the area. Residents within the cordoned zone were evacuated to a temporary rest centre.
Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities conducted extensive searches of the property and declared the area safe later on Sunday. The cordon was significantly reduced, allowing most residents to return home, except for a small number still within a tighter cordon. The families of the deceased are being supported by specially trained officers.
Police also carried out a search at a separate property in Speedwell, linked to the man who died. The College of Policing defines a major incident as an event with serious consequences requiring special arrangements by emergency services.
Residents described the neighbourhood as typically quiet and friendly. There is no significant damage reported to nearby properties.
