Jo Shaw was killed after an explosive device detonated at her home in Bristol, in a blast that also killed former partner Ryan Kelly15:24, 02 Jun 2026Updated 15:47, 02 Jun 2026The police watchdog has launched a probe into the deaths of a woman and her former partner in a house explosion in Bristol.‌Jo Shaw, 35, died from fatal injuries after her former partner Ryan Kelly, 41, "deliberately" detonated an explosive device at her home in Sterncourt Road on May 3, killing them both.‌Kelly, previously convicted for serving as a foot soldier in a local drugs gang, reportedly turned up at Shaw's house with a grenade in his hand and let it detonate, killing them both.‌The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was investigating the contact Ms Shaw and Mr Kelly had with Avon and Somerset Police prior to their deaths after neighbours claimed Shaw had contacted the force about her exes dangerous behaviour on several occasions prior to her death."She had been complaining to the police for some time before this incident and he had been harassing her," neighbour Stuart Blanchard previously told the Mirror."I’d heard the shouting before while having breakfast, something like ‘get out, get out’ but there’s something every week in this area so I didn’t go out.‌"Then there was a bang, it shook my front door. But my friend heard the kicking so went over. I thought it was a gas explosion so stayed inside."It’s a shock for everyone because they were a really nice family," he added. "I cannot believe it has happened."The watchdog said police last had contact with Ms Shaw four days before the explosion and the investigation would look at past incidents over a five-year period, from May 2021.‌IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected at this very difficult time.“We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out a thorough investigation, to fully establish the circumstances of what happened prior to the tragic events of May 3.“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 inquiries.“We will be keeping all interested parties updated as our investigation, which is at an early stage, progresses.”Avon and Somerset Police are treating the cause of the explosion as deliberate and recorded Ms Shaw’s death as a homicide. The force is not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.‌Three other people, including a child, sustained minor injuries in the blast."I’ve heard it was a hand grenade," Stuart said. "I spoke to the guy who called 999 and he said the child was out on the trampoline. It will haunt him. She probably told him to go out there to get out of the way of them arguing."The police were here in seconds, They were called before the explosion. Another friend said he saw the police giving Jo CPR but when the explosives team arrived they had to leave in case there were more explosions. It was awful for them."‌Police previously said a call was received from a person inside the house at 6.17am reporting a domestic-related incident, saying a man they knew had forced entry to the house.The caller remained on the line while officers were dispatched to the house and at 6.30am the caller told police the man was believed to be in possession of an explosive device.About two minutes later there was an explosion at the property, in which Ms Shaw and Mr Kelly died.‌Neighbour Wayne Smith, 58, a carpenter, said: "He's turned up at her house with a grenade and detonated it on the doorstep and killed the pair of them."Kelly was previously jailed for five years in 2015 for acting as enforcer for a crystal meth gang masterminded by a a 78-year-old man battling cancer, which was likened to the hit TV series Breaking Bad.The then 30-year-old, of Speedwell Road, Bristol, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine at a previous hearing before a trial.Article continues belowResidents in neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and searches were carried out by the Army to ensure the area was safe.Searches also took place at an address in Speedwell where Mr Kelly lived. No evacuations were required at that location.This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .