Two people dead after explosion at house in Bristol

A major incident has been declared in South Gloucestershire and dozens of homes evacuated after an explosion killed two people at a home in Frenchay.

Police say they were called to a ‘domestic incident’ shortly after 6.00am today (Sunday 3 May) but before they arrived, an explosion was reported.

Ambulance crews and bomb disposal experts were called to the house on Sterncourt Road.

Two adults – a man and a woman – were found dead at the scene and two further adults and a child were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Dozens of people were told to leave their homes. Many were taken to a local pub which is doubled as a rest centre. Police say they don’t believe any other homes were damaged in the explosion.

Avon and Somerset Police say they have been following ‘well-rehearsed plans’ in response to the incident.

A police spokesperson said: “While our enquiries remain at an early stage, at this point we’re not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

“It’s also important to confirm we are not treating this as a suspected terrorism incident.

“A cordon was put in place to protect the public and to allow enquiries to be carried out at the scene. This included specialist searches carried out by the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit as a precaution.

Officers are also carrying out enquiries at a property in Speedwell connected to the man who died but homes there have not been evacuated.

A cordon remains in place in Frenchay.