Cordon lifted after deadly explosion

A police cordon at a house where an explosion killed two people and injured three others has been removed.

Police were called to a home in Sterncourt Road in Frenchay, near Bristol, to a domestic-related incident minutes before the blast at about 06:30 BST on Sunday.

A man and woman died and a man, woman and child were taken to hospital for minor injuries following what Avon and Somerset Police described as a "suspicious" explosion.

Those injured have since been discharged from hospital, while officers continue to search the home.

A large cordon was put in place on Sunday morning, but has now been taken down.

Armed officers directed residents to a nearby Harvester pub while the cordon was in place. Manager Helen Bull said about 30 people arrived at 07:00, a number of them were elderly and many were wearing nightclothes.

Police said "almost all" residents could now return home but those still affected were being helped by Bristol City Council.

In a news conference on Sunday afternoon, Supt Matt Ebbs said officers had carried out inquiries at a property in Speedwell in the city that was linked to the man who died.

He said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident but said it remained a "complex and sensitive investigation".

On Sunday, specialist searches were carried out by the British Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal, as a precaution.

There was not believed to be any significant damage to other properties, police said.

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