The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a formal investigation into a fatal house explosion in Bristol, which police are treating as a deliberate act. Jo Shaw, 35, died after her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41, allegedly detonated a grenade at her home on Sterncourt Road on May 3, killing them both.
Neighbours reported that Kelly, previously convicted for involvement in a local drugs gang, arrived at the property carrying the device before the explosion. One neighbour described Ms Shaw telling a child to leave the home to play outside on a trampoline shortly before the blast. Three other people, including a child, sustained minor injuries.
The IOPC confirmed it is examining the interaction between Ms Shaw, Kelly, and Avon and Somerset Police. Reports indicate that Ms Shaw had contacted the force multiple times to report Kelly's dangerous behaviour. Neighbour Stuart Blanchard said, 'She had been complaining to the police for some time before this incident, and he had been harassing her.'
Avon and Somerset Police last contacted Ms Shaw four days before the explosion. The IOPC investigation will cover a five-year period from May 2021, reviewing allegations of stalking, harassment, and assault. IOPC director Derrick Campbell stated, 'There is a significant history of police involvement in relation to Mr Kelly’s behaviour... which we need to examine.'
The cause of the explosion is being treated as deliberate, with Ms Shaw's death recorded as a homicide. No one else is being investigated. Police had received a call at 6.17am reporting a domestic incident, with the caller stating a man had forced entry. At 6.30am, the caller reported the man had an explosive device, and the explosion occurred about two minutes later.
