Two people have died following an explosion in Bristol, prompting the declaration of a major incident in the UK city. Emergency services, including bomb disposal experts, responded to the scene on Sterncourt Road in Frenchay after a loud bang was heard around 6:30 AM on Sunday, May 3.
Details of the Incident
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that two adults died at the residential address. Their families have been informed. The cause of the explosion is being treated as suspicious, but authorities have emphasized that it is not being investigated as a suspected terrorist incident.
Evacuations and Police Response
Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, and residents were taken to a temporary rest centre. A cordon remains in place, and the public is advised to avoid the area. Police stated that a major incident was declared, and emergency services are following well-rehearsed plans.
A police spokesperson said: "The cordon has been put in place as a precaution to help keep the public safe. People living within that cordon are being evacuated to a temporary rest centre." There is no significant damage to other properties.
Ongoing Investigations
Officers are also carrying out enquiries at a property in Speedwell linked to the incident. The force urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances and to continue avoiding the area. "Given the recent change to the UK threat level, we would like to reassure the public from the outset we are not treating this as a suspected terrorist incident," the spokesperson added.
