Bristol blast kills woman and former partner, police suspect deliberate attack

A blast at a house on Sterncourt Road in Bristol killed Jo Shaw and her former partner, Ryan Kelly, after police said they believe the explosion was deliberate. Officers said Shaw, 35, lived at the address and Kelly, 41, was her former partner.

Avon and Somerset Police said they were called at 6.17am on Sunday 3 May 2026 to a domestic-related incident after someone inside the house reported that a man they knew had forced entry. By about 6.30am, the caller told police the man was believed to have an explosive device. The explosion followed around two minutes later, and the first officers arrived at 6.34am.

Police said they do not believe there is any wider risk to public safety and are not treating the case as terrorism-related. Jo Shaw’s death has been officially recorded as a homicide while investigators continue to examine the circumstances of the blast and the device involved.

Three other people, including the person who called police and a child, suffered minor injuries and did not need to remain in hospital. Bristol City Council worked with police to evacuate nearby homes as a precaution, and a temporary rest centre was opened for displaced residents while the area was searched.

The Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and specialist police officers cleared the scene before the cordon was reduced on Sunday night, allowing most residents to return home. Police also completed a search of an address in Speedwell linked to Kelly over the bank holiday weekend.

Avon and Somerset Police said they will make a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because there had been previous police contact and other domestic incidents had been reported before Sunday. Specially trained officers are supporting Shaw’s family, and police have asked for privacy for grieving relatives as the investigation continues.