Ryan Kelly, who was previously convicted for being part of a drugs gang, has been named as the man suspected of setting off a grenade at his ex’s home, according to local residents
The man who reportedly went round to the parent’s house of his former partner and allegedly detonated a grenade has been identified as an ex-drug gang member.
Two people were killed following the house explosion at a property in in Sterncourt Road, Frenchay, Bristol on Sunday (May 3) as police continue to investigate the ‘suspicious’ explosion.
The male killed in the incident has been named locally as Ryan Kelly, who was previously convicted for being a foot soldier in a drugs gang, reports The Mirror after speaking to neighbours.
The female victim has also been identified as his ex-partner Joanne Shaw, who died tragically died in the blast that saw three others also injured.
Kelly, who died in the explosion, was previously a foot soldier in a Breaking Bad crystal meth gang. He was jailed for five years in 2015 for his role in the operation that was likened to the hit TV series.
It was compared to the show due to the mastermind being 78-year-old George Roberts from Bristol, who was battling cancer.
The then 30-year-old, of Speedwell Road, Bristol, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine at a previous hearing before a trial. The operation was busted after undercover police bugged their cars, reports The Mirror.
Locals have been reporting the incident on Sunday was caused by a man, believed to be Kelly, allegedly setting off a grenade on the doorstep.
One local told The Sun: “He’s turned up at her house with a grenade and detonated it on the doorstep and killed the pair of them.
“At first when I heard the boom I thought it was a gas explosion or even a huge car crash. I could feel the whole house shake.”
Speaking to The Mirror, neighbour Stuart Blanchard said: “The partner’s gone there in a mental state. It wasn’t Jo’s house, it was her parent’s, she just lived there. She had split up with him and I think she moved there to escape from him.
“She had been complaining to the police for some time before this incident and he had been harassing her. I’d heard the shouting before while having breakfast, something like ‘get out, get out’ but there’s something every week in this area so I didn’t go out.
“Then there was a bang, it shook my front door. But my friend heard the kicking so went over. I thought it was a gas explosion so stayed inside. I’ve heard it was a hand grenade.”
He also added that other neighbour’s had heartbreakingly saw police giving CPR to Joanne. Stuart also spoke of how another neighbour saw a child had been outside on a trampoline at the time of the blast.
The three others injured, including a child, have since been released from hospital.
Tributes have been shared online paying tribute to the female victim, believed to be Joanna, who died in the tragedy, reports BristolLive.
One described the woman as an “amazing friend”, adding: “I can’t believe you were taken from us.”
“I’m so so sorry for your awful loss,” another comment said. While a third added: “Sending our love and support for you and your family, RIP.”
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