Police continue search after 'suspicious explosion'

Residents who had to evacuate a residential area of Bristol after an explosion left two people dead and three others injured have been told they can return home.

Police were called to a house in Sterncourt Road, Frenchay, for a domestic-related incident minutes before the blast at about 06:30 BST on Sunday.

A man and woman died and a man, woman and child were taken to hospital for minor injuries following what Avon and Somerset Police described as a "suspicious" explosion. The force has not yet confirmed what caused it.

Those injured have since left hospital but the house where the explosion took place remained behind a cordon and officers were still investigating at the scene on Monday.

One of the property's windows has been boarded up and a white forensics tent has been set up outside.

Police said the cordon had been reduced and "almost all" residents could go home but those still affected were being helped by Bristol City Council.

A nearby Harvester pub was the first place residents were sent to on Sunday morning. Manager Helen Bull said around 30 people arrived at about 07:00, a number of them were elderly and many were wearing night clothes.

"When stuff like this happens, you just have to help. I think this happens in other situations, I think everyone just pulls together and helps each other out," she said.

Residents were moved from the Harvester to the nearby Begbrook Social Club around noon on Sunday, and police declared a major incident.

In a news conference on Sunday afternoon, Supt Matt Ebbs said officers had carried out inquiries at a property in Speedwell in the city that was linked to the man who died.

He said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident but said it remained a "complex and sensitive investigation".

On Sunday, specialist searches were carried out by the British Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal, as a precaution.

There was not believed to be any significant damage to other properties, police said.

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