Victims Identified in Bristol House Explosion
Two individuals who died in a house explosion have been identified by police authorities.
Jo Shaw, aged 35, and her former partner Ryan Kelly, aged 41, lost their lives in the blast that occurred at a residence on Sterncourt Road in Frenchay, Bristol, at approximately 06:30 BST on Sunday.
Police Investigation and Incident Details
Avon and Somerset Police reported that officers were dispatched to a domestic-related incident just minutes before the explosion. The investigation is currently treating the event as "suspicious."
Superintendent Matt Ebbs stated that Shaw's death has been officially classified as a homicide "based on the information known to us at this time."
The police force also announced that a mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior police interactions with the victim before Sunday.
This prior contact concerned "other domestic incidents."
Support for Family and Public Appeal
Supt Ebbs expressed condolences and highlighted the support being provided to the family:
"We know everyone's thoughts and sympathies will be with (Jo's) devastated family. Specially-trained officers are providing them with updates and support."
He further requested privacy for those affected:
"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."
Timeline of Events
Police received a call at 06:17 BST from an individual inside the property reporting a domestic-related incident. The caller indicated that a man, known to them, had forced entry into the house.
Multiple double-crewed police units were dispatched, and the caller remained on the line during this time.
The explosion occurred around 06:32 BST. The first officers arrived on the scene at 06:34 BST, followed shortly by fire and ambulance services.
Further Information and Updates
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