Two adults have been killed and a major incident declared after an explosion at a house in Bristol this morning. The blast occurred at a residential address on Sterncourt Road in Frenchay at approximately 6:30 am on Sunday, 3 May 2026. Avon and Somerset Police are treating the cause of the explosion as suspicious and have established a cordon around the area while emergency services respond.
Police Statement and Investigation
In an official statement, police confirmed that two adults died at the scene, and their families have been informed. Officers are also conducting enquiries at a property in Speedwell, which they believe is linked to the Sterncourt Road explosion. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Given the recent change to the UK threat level, we would like to reassure the public from the outset we are not treating this as a suspected terrorist incident." Police have urged the public to avoid the area and refrain from speculating about the circumstances.
Resident Accounts
Bradley Shepherd, a resident of Bradeston Grove, told the BBC he "jumped out of bed" upon hearing a "large explosion noise." He reported that police and armed officers arrived at the property "within minutes" and that the entire neighbourhood was evacuated within 15 to 20 minutes, with residents being directed to a local Harvester pub. Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told BristolLive he heard a loud "bang" at around 6:30 am and went outside to investigate. Armed police shouted at him to "get inside, get inside!" He and his partner were soon told to evacuate and move to the Harvester until further notice.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
A cordon has been put in place as a precaution to ensure public safety. People living within the cordon are being evacuated to a temporary rest centre. Police have stated that there is not believed to be any significant damage to other properties. Residents are advised to avoid the area while emergency services continue to respond to the incident.
