Man and girl die in Bristol home explosion after a ‘domestic-related incident’ – as three folks together with a toddler are rushed to hospital

Police had been called to a ‘domestic-related’ incident at an address in Bristol moments before a man and woman were killed there in a house explosion. 

Officers received a 999 call to attend an address in Sterncourt Road 13 minutes before a blast was heard at around 6.30am. 

Another property three miles away in Speedwell linked to the man is currently being searched by officers. 

The explosion has been described by police as ‘suspicious’ and Avon and Somerset Police has declared a major incident. 

A bomb disposal unit was deployed and the force has confirmed it is not being treated as a suspected terrorism incident. Officers are not looking for any other suspects.

Three other people – a man, woman and a child – were also hurt and were taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries. 

Superintendent Matt Ebbs told reporters in a press conference this afternoon: ‘At about 6.17am we received a call to attend a domestic-related incident at a residential address in Sterncourt Road.

‘Officers were sent to the scene but shortly before they arrived, at just after 6.30am, there was an explosion inside the property.

‘A woman and a man have died at the address and we’re treating the explosion as suspicious.

‘Their families have been updated and are being supported by specially trained officers, and our thoughts are very much with them.

‘Three people, a man, a woman and a child, were taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries.’

Around 70 people were evacuated from their homes and taken to the nearby Snuff Mill Harvester pub, which is being used as a makeshift rest centre. 

A cordon is expected to remain in place until at least this evening. 

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said earlier: ‘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.

‘We ask people not to speculate around the circumstances and continue to encourage the public to avoid the area while emergency services respond to this incident.’

Smoke has been seen rising from one of the homes, and a white tent has been put up on the green. 

One neighbour said they had heard a ‘loud bang’ at around 6.30am and went outside but was told by armed police to ‘get inside’.

‘There were two or three unmarked police cars and a number of ambulances and police vehicles, and now the bomb squad is there,’ they said. 

Bradley Shepherd ‘jumped out of bed’ after hearing a ‘large explosion noise’. 

He told the BBC: ‘There was nothing immediately that I could see, but within minutes the police were arriving, attending the property. We had all emergency services there within 10 minutes, armed police.

‘Within maybe about 15 or 20 minutes, once they had it cordoned off, they were instructing all the neighbourhood, the majority are probably 60-plus years of age, to actually evacuate their properties and take residence in the local Harvester [restaurant].’

City of Bristol councillor Al Al-Maghrabi said: ‘I am devastated to hear the news this morning that two residents have lost their lives following an explosion on Sterncourt Road in Frenchay. My thoughts are with their families at this incredibly difficult time.

‘Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that they are not treating this as a terrorist incident, and that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage.

‘I want to say a huge thank you to The Harvester for opening their doors to evacuated residents and providing meals and drinks during this difficult time.’