Ex-Partner Kills Woman and Himself with Grenade in Bristol House Explosion

Key facts

• Jo Shaw, 35, and Ryan Kelly, 41, died in the explosion on Sunday in Bristol.
• Police received a call at 06:17 BST reporting a domestic incident; caller said intruder had explosive device at 06:30.
• The explosion occurred at 06:32; first officers arrived at 06:34.
• Three others, including a child, were treated for minor injuries and discharged.
• Avon and Somerset Police referred themselves to the IOPC due to prior domestic incidents.
• Police stated the explosion was deliberate but not terrorism-related.

A Deadly Blast in Frenchay

A woman and her ex-partner died in a house explosion in Bristol on Sunday after he forced his way into the home carrying an explosive device, police said. Jo Shaw, 35, and Ryan Kelly, 41, were killed in the blast on Sterncourt Road in Frenchay at around 06:32 BST. Avon and Somerset Police are treating Shaw’s death as a homicide, while Kelly is believed to have caused the explosion deliberately.

Timeline of the Incident

Police received a call at 06:17 from a person inside the property reporting a domestic-related incident. The caller said a man known to them had forced entry. At 06:30, the caller reported that the intruder was believed to be in possession of an explosive device. Two minutes later, at 06:32, the explosion occurred. The first officers arrived at 06:34, followed shortly by fire and ambulance services.

Victims and Survivors

Jo Shaw, described by a friend as a “truly lovely person” and a “friendly and chatty” member of the community, died in the blast. Ryan Kelly, her former partner, also died. Three other people, including a child and the caller, were treated for minor injuries and have since been discharged from hospital. The identities of the deceased have not been formally confirmed by authorities.

Police Investigation and Referral

Superintendent Matt Ebbs stated that Shaw’s death has been recorded as a homicide based on information known at this time. The force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous police contact with the victim related to other domestic incidents. Police emphasized the explosion is not believed to be terrorism-related and that they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Community Response and Aftermath

A large cordon was put in place on Sunday morning, with armed officers directing residents to a nearby Harvester pub. Manager Helen Bull said about 30 people arrived at 07:00, many elderly and in nightclothes. The cordon has since been removed. A friend of Shaw, identified as Trifonova, who manages a local corner shop, expressed shock, saying Shaw was “part of our community” and that they are focused on remembering her and supporting her family.

Ongoing Investigation and Support

Specialty trained officers are providing updates and support to Shaw’s family. Superintendent Ebbs appealed for privacy, saying, “We know everyone’s thoughts and sympathies will be with her devastated family… we would please ask everyone respects that.” Police continue to search the home as the investigation proceeds.

The bottom line

• Jo Shaw was killed by her ex-partner Ryan Kelly, who detonated an explosive device after forcing entry into her home.
• The explosion occurred just minutes after police were alerted, and officers arrived two minutes after the blast.
• Three others, including a child, were injured but not hospitalized.
• Avon and Somerset Police have referred themselves to the IOPC due to prior domestic incidents involving the victim.
• The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.