Man ‘killed his ex and himself with a grenade’ in house explosion in Bristol, injuring three others including child
A man is believed to have killed his ex and himself with a grenade in a house explosion in Bristol.
Police had been called to a ‘domestic related’ incident at an address on Sterncourt Road on May 3, just before an explosion was heard at around 6.30am.
The explosion has been described by police as ‘suspicious’ and Avon and Somerset Police have 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 – believed to be the woman’s son and two other family members – were also injured and taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
On Sunday, officers searched another property three miles away in Speedwell linked to the man.
Neighbors claimed the woman had recently moved into the terraced house to escape an ex-partner.
The explosion was described as ‘suspicious’ as Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident
Specialist searches were carried out on Sunday by the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit
“He came to her house with a grenade and detonated it in front of the door, killing them both,” 58-year-old Wayne Smith told The Sun.
He added: ‘When I heard the bang, at first I thought it was a gas explosion or even a huge car crash. I felt the whole house shaking.’
Chief Inspector Matt Ebbs told reporters at a press conference on Sunday afternoon: ‘At approximately 6.17am we received a call to attend a domestic incident at a residential address on Sterncourt Road.
‘Officers were sent to the scene but shortly before they arrived, just after 6.30am, an explosion occurred in the property.
“A woman and a man were killed at the address and we are treating the explosion as suspicious.
“Their families have been informed 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 for treatment for minor injuries.”
About 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.”
Chief Inspector Matt Ebbs told reporters at a press conference on Sunday that officers had been called to a “domestic-related incident” at the address moments before the explosion
Forensic officers near a property in Bristol where an explosion killed a man and a woman on May 3, 2026
A neighbor said they heard a ‘loud bang’ around 6.30am and went outside, but were told to ‘go inside’ by armed police.
“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 ‘big explosion sound’.
He told the BBC: ‘I couldn’t see anything straight away, but within minutes the police arrived to view the property. Within 10 minutes we had all the emergency services there, armed police.
“Within about 15 to 20 minutes of cordoning it off, they instructed the entire neighborhood, the majority probably over 60 years old, to actually evacuate their properties and move into the local Harvester [restaurant].’
Bristol City Councilor 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 are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage.
‘I would like to say a huge thank you to The Harvester for opening their doors to evacuated residents and providing meals and refreshments during this difficult time.’
The cause of the explosion has not been confirmed by police.