A woman and her ex-partner died in a house explosion in Bristol after he allegedly forced entry with an explosive device, police have said. Jo Shaw, 35, was killed in the blast at a property on Sterncourt Road on Sunday morning, with her death being treated as homicide. Her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41, also died from injuries sustained in the explosion.
Avon and Somerset Police received a call at 6.17am from a person inside the house reporting that a man had forced entry. Officers were dispatched, and at around 6.30am the caller stated the man was believed to be in possession of an explosive device. Approximately two minutes later, an explosion occurred. The first officers arrived at 6.34am, followed by fire and ambulance services.
Three other people, including the caller, were treated for minor injuries. Superintendent Matt Ebbs confirmed that the cause of the explosion is believed to be deliberate and is not being treated as terrorism-related. He added: “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.”
A referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previously reported domestic-related incidents. The Army’s explosive ordnance disposal team conducted searches, and a cordon was reduced on Sunday night, allowing most residents to return home. A search of an address in Speedwell linked to Mr Kelly concluded over the bank holiday weekend.
