Police provide update following Bristol house explosion
The names of a man and a woman thought to have died in the blast have been released
Last updated 5th May 2026
Police have named the two people who they believe died in Sunday's explosion at a house in Bristol.
While formal identification has yet to take place, officers believe 35 year old Jo Shaw, the occupant of the house, and her former partner 41 year old Ryan Kelly were killed in the blast in Frenchay.
A police presence is expected to remain on Sterncourt Road for the coming days, with the force revealing more details of the timeline of Sunday's events.
The force confirmed for the first time that a call was received from the property at approximately 6.17am that morning reporting a domestic-related incident.
The caller also reported a man, who they knew, having forced entry to the house.
At approximately 6.30am, the caller contacted police to report that the man was believed to be in possession of an explosive device.
A man and a woman died from injuries sustained during the incident.
Police say their families are aware of what has happened and that they are releasing this information to the public.
Three others injured at the scene have been released from hospital.
Superintendent Matt Ebbs said: “We know people will be shocked and upset to learn of the horrendous events that happened on Sunday morning.
“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.
“We know everyone’s thoughts and sympathies will be with her devastated family. Specially-trained officers are providing them with updates and support.
“We recognise there is significant interest in what happened, but at the centre of it there are many people grieving and we would please ask everyone respects that and gives them the privacy they want.”
A search of an address in Speedwell linked to Mr Kelly was completed over the bank holiday weekend. Police say no evacuations were required there.
Supt Ebbs added: “Police activity continues to be carried out at the property in Sterncourt Road and we expect this will take several days to be completed.
“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.
“As previously stated, we believe the cause of the explosion to be deliberate. Analysis work of the explosive device has not yet been completed.
“We will share all details of our enquiries with the coroner so they can make a final determination around how the deaths occurred in due course.
“Officers remain in the area and people can speak to them if they have concerns they wish to discuss with us.
“Finally, we would like to reiterate our thanks to emergency services, other agencies and volunteers for their support over the weekend. This remains a challenging and complex enquiry, and we are ensuring our officers and staff have access to any support they need.”
Avon and Somerset Police said a mandatory referral would be made by its Professional Standards Department to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on the grounds of the deaths occurring following previous police contact, specifically other domestic incidents being reported to police prior to Sunday.