Bristol mother killed in ex-partners deliberate house blast

The family of Joanne Shaw, a 35-year-old mother from Bristol, has paid tribute to her as "bubbly" and "heroic" after she died in a deliberate house explosion caused by her ex-partner. The blast occurred at a property on Sterncourt Road in Frenchay early on Sunday, May 3, killing Shaw alongside Ryan Kelly, 41.

Avon and Somerset Police detailed that they received a call at 6:17 a.m. reporting a domestic-related incident, with the caller stating a known man had forced entry into the house. At around 6:30 a.m., the caller reported the man was in possession of an explosive device. The explosion followed two minutes later, and officers arrived at 6:34 a.m., joined by fire and ambulance services. Both Shaw and Kelly died from injuries sustained in the incident. Police are treating the explosion as deliberate and have recorded Shaw's death as a homicide. They confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Witness accounts indicate Shaw acted to protect her child during an argument that preceded the blast. A neighbour reported that Shaw instructed the child to play outside on a trampoline, keeping them out of harm's way. Her family described these actions in a...