A man forced his way into a house in Bristol with an explosive device, killing his ex-partner and himself in a blast early on Sunday, police have said. The woman has been identified as 35-year-old Jo Shaw, and the man as her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41.
Avon and Somerset Police received a call at 6.17am reporting a domestic incident. The caller stated that a man had forced entry and was believed to be carrying an explosive device. Two minutes later, at around 6.30am, an explosion occurred.
Police are treating Shaw's death as homicide and believe the explosion was deliberate, though they have stressed it is not thought to be terrorism-related. Three other people, including the caller, suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
The force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous domestic incidents reported to police involving the same individuals. 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.'
Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution, and a search by army explosives experts ensured the area was safe. The cordon was reduced on Sunday night, allowing most residents to return home. A search of a separate address linked to Kelly has also concluded.
Police continue to investigate the scene, and analysis of the explosive device is ongoing. Ebbs added: '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.'
