BRISTOL — Jo Shaw, 35, and Ryan Kelly, 41, died in an explosion in the Frenchay area of Bristol on May 3. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the contact both individuals had with Avon and Somerset Police in the days and years before the incident.
Avon and Somerset Police recorded Shaw’s death as a homicide and are treating the explosion as deliberate. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. Three other people, including a child, sustained minor injuries in the blast.
According to court filings, Shaw died from a “penetrating fragmentation blast injury to the chest and pelvis.” Kelly sustained “blast injuries to head, neck, torso and limbs.” Police received a call at 6:17 a.m. from someone inside the house reporting a domestic-related incident and stating that a man they knew had forced entry. At 6:30 a.m., the caller said the man was believed to be in possession of an explosive device. An explosion occurred approximately two minutes later.
Police officers arrived at 6:34 a.m., followed shortly by fire and ambulance services. A major incident was declared, and officers worked with Bristol City Council to evacuate neighbors and establish a rest center. Searches were conducted by an army explosive ordnance disposal team, specialist police officers, and at an address where Kelly lived.
The IOPC investigation will examine police interactions with Shaw, her ex-partner, and Kelly over a five-year period beginning in May 2021. Kelly had been accused of stalking, harassment, and assault. Police last had contact with Shaw four days before the explosion.
“My thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected at this very difficult time,” said Derrick Campbell, IOPC engagement director. “We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out a thorough investigation, to fully establish the circumstances of what happened prior to the tragic events.”