Police have confirmed that a man and a woman died in an explosion in Bristol on Sunday after the man forced his way into a house with an explosive device. The woman has been identified as 35-year-old Jo Shaw, and the man as her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41. Police are treating Shaw's death as homicide.
The explosion occurred at approximately 6:30 am on Sunday at a property in Sterncourt Road, Frenchay. Avon and Somerset Police received a call at 6:17 am from another person inside the house reporting a domestic-related incident. The caller stated that the man had forced his way in and was known to them, and at 6:30 am, they reported that he might have an explosive device. Two minutes later, the blast occurred.
Three other individuals, including the caller, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene but did not require hospitalisation. The force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous police contact, specifically other domestic incidents reported prior to Sunday.
Superintendent Matt Ebbs said: 'Jo's death has been officially recorded as a homicide based on the information known to us at this time. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.' He added that specially trained officers are supporting her family.
The explosion is not believed to be terrorism-related, and police have stated that there is no wider risk to public safety. The army's explosive ordnance disposal team conducted searches to ensure the area was safe, and the cordon was reduced on Sunday night, allowing most residents to return home. A search of a separate address in Speedwell linked to Kelly has concluded.
Police continue to investigate the property in Sterncourt Road, and analysis of the explosive device is ongoing. The findings will be shared with the coroner for a final determination on the deaths.
