IOPC investigating Avon and Somerset Police over house explosion deaths

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation into the contact Avon and Somerset Police had with Joanne Shaw and Ryan Kelly prior to their deaths.

They both died following an explosion at a property in the Frenchay area of Bristol, on 3 May 2026.

Following a mandatory referral from the force, we are investigating prior contact police had with Ms Shaw and Mr Kelly. Police last had contact with Ms Shaw four days before the explosion.

Our enquiries will look at whether appropriate steps were taken by police to safeguard Ms Shaw before she died, spanning a timeframe of five years, between May 2021 and May 2026, including whether all incidents during this period were adequately resourced, progressed and risk assessed.

We will also consider whether there were any missed opportunities which may have contributed to the deaths of Ms Shaw and Mr Kelly and whether police officers and staff acted in accordance with local and national policies and procedures.

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 3 May. 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 enquiries

“We will be keeping all interested parties updated as our investigation, which is at an early stage, progresses.”