Police to be investigated over fatal explosion

The death of a woman and her former partner in an explosion is to be investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Jo Shaw, 35, suffered fatal injuries in the blast at a house in Sterncourt Road on May 3. Her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41, was also killed in the incident following the activation of an explosive device.

The IOPC has said it will examine what contact police had with Shaw and Kelly, adding Avon and Somerset Police last spoke to Shaw four days before her death.

Derrick Campbell, from the IOPC, said there had been "significant' history of police involvement with Kelly.

Avon and Somerset Police made the mandatory referral to the IOPC, which will now look at what steps were taken by the force to safeguard Shaw over the previous five years.

The investigation will include resourcing and risk assessments, as well as identifying any missed opportunities which may have contributed to their deaths.

Campbell said: "There is a significant history of police involvement in relation to Mr Kelly's behaviour, including allegations of stalking, harassment and assault, which we need to examine as part of our investigation.

"We are reviewing extensive documentation detailing that history as part of our enquiries."

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said it made a mandatory referral "due to previous domestic incidents having been reported to us."

"We have recorded Ms Shaw's death as a homicide.

"As previously stated, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.

"Our thoughts remain with her family, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the IOPC's enquiries."

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