MEZIESBLOG

Two adults have died in an explosion at a Bristol house;

• The blast happened at 6.30am in Sterncourt Road;
• Police are treating it as “suspicious” but not terror related;
• Officers are carrying out enquiries at another property in the city’s Speedwell area;
• But the force says they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the explosion;
• Nearby residents have been evacuated and there is no significant damage to other properties.

Pictured: View of road where explosion took place

An image shows the entrance to Sterncourt Road in Bristol, where the explosion was reported.

The cause of the blast is being treated as suspicious, and a major incident has been declared.

Nearby resident reports hearing ‘large explosion’

A nearby resident has said he heard a “large explosion noise” and then “jumped out of bed”.

Bradley Shepherd, who lives on nearby Bradeston Grove, told the BBC armed police arrived within minutes.

“I sort of jumped out of bed to see what was going on,” he said.

“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.”

He added: “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].”

Police presence at the scene

This picture shows police on the scene after the explosion in Sterncourt Road, in the Frenchay area of Bristol.

There continues to be a police cordon and presence at the scene.

‘Public safety is our priority’: Police thank public in update

Avon and Somerset Police have said they are working with the emergency services and Bristol Council in response to the explosion at a house in Sterncourt Road.

“We’d like to thank residents for their continued patience,” the force said, after nearby residents were evacuated.

“Public safety is our priority and therefore a cordon remains in place at this time.”

A police statement added: “We’ll continue to share key updates.”

Police to hold news briefing

Superintendent Matt Ebbs will hold a news conference at approximately 4pm.

Questions remain about the explosion, which police are treating as “suspicious” but not terror-related.

Officers had made enquiries at a separate address, but said they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.