Frenchay explosion cordon reduced as police declare scene safe

Following an explosion in a residential area of Bristol, which tragically claimed the lives of two individuals and injured three others, residents who were evacuated have now been allowed to return to their homes. The incident involved a man and a woman who died, while another man, woman, and a child were admitted to hospital with minor injuries. Avon and Somerset Police have described the blast as “suspicious” but have yet to determine the exact cause.

Authorities have since reduced the cordon surrounding the affected area, enabling nearly all residents to go back to their properties. Those still affected are receiving assistance from Bristol City Council. A property connected to one of the deceased, located in the Speedwell area, was subject to police investigations. Superintendent Matt Ebbs addressed the public on Sunday afternoon, stating that the police were not searching for any further suspects, although the investigation remains complicated and sensitive.

The site of the explosion remains secured with a police cordon, with visible signs of damage such as boarded-up windows and a white forensic tent set up outside the property. On Sunday, members of the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted specialist searches at the scene as a precautionary measure. Despite the severity of the explosion, police have confirmed that there appears to be no significant damage to neighboring properties.

During the initial emergency response, residents were evacuated from a local Harvester restaurant and temporarily relocated to the nearby Begbrook Social Club. Police declared the situation a major incident at the time. The investigation continues, with no official statement yet regarding the cause of the explosion

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