A man is believed to have killed his ex-partner and himself with a grenade in a house explosion in Bristol. Police had been called to a 'domestic-related' incident on May 3 at an address in Sterncourt Road moments before an explosion was heard at around 6.30am.
Explosion Details
The explosion has been described by police as 'suspicious' and Avon and Somerset Police have declared a major incident. A bomb disposal unit was deployed and the force has confirmed it is not being treated as a suspected terrorism incident. Officers are not looking for any other suspects.
Three other people - who are believed to be the woman’s son and two other family members - were also hurt and were taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries. On Sunday officers searched another property three miles away in Speedwell linked to the man.
Neighbour Accounts
Neighbours claimed the woman recently moved into the terraced house to escape an ex-partner. Wayne Smith, 58, told The Sun: 'He’s turned up at her house with a grenade and detonated it on the doorstep and killed the pair of them.' He added: 'At first when I heard the boom I thought it was a gas explosion or even a huge car crash. I could feel the whole house shake.'
One neighbour said they had heard a 'loud bang' at around 6.30am and went outside but was told by armed police to 'get inside'. 'There were two or three unmarked police cars and a number of ambulances and police vehicles, and now the bomb squad is there,' they said.
Bradley Shepherd 'jumped out of bed' after hearing a 'large explosion noise'. He told the BBC: 'There was nothing immediately that I could see, but within minutes the police were arriving, attending the property. We had all emergency services there within 10 minutes, armed police. Within maybe about 15 or 20 minutes, once they had it cordoned off, they were instructing all the neighbourhood, the majority are probably 60-plus years of age, to actually evacuate their properties and take residence in the local Harvester [restaurant].'
Police Statement
Superintendent Matt Ebbs told reporters in a press conference on Sunday afternoon: 'At about 6.17am we received a call to attend a domestic-related incident at a residential address in Sterncourt Road. Officers were sent to the scene but shortly before they arrived, at just after 6.30am, there was an explosion inside the property. A woman and a man have died at the address and we're treating the explosion as suspicious. Their families have been updated and are being supported by specially trained officers, and our thoughts are very much with them. Three people, a man, a woman and a child, were taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Around 70 people were evacuated from their homes and taken to the nearby Snuff Mill Harvester pub, which is being used as a makeshift rest centre.'
Community Response
City of Bristol councillor Al Al-Maghrabi said: 'I am devastated to hear the news this morning that two residents have lost their lives following an explosion on Sterncourt Road in Frenchay. My thoughts are with their families at this incredibly difficult time. Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that they are not treating this as a terrorist incident, and that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage. I want to say a huge thank you to The Harvester for opening their doors to evacuated residents and providing meals and drinks during this difficult time.'
The cause of the blast has not been confirmed.
