News / Crime
Police watchdog to investigate Frenchay explosion deaths
Avon & Somerset Police are being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct following previous contact the force had with two people who both died in an explosion in Frenchay.
Police last had contact with Joanne Shaw four days before the explosion at a house on Sterncourt Road.
Joanne and her former partner Ryan Kelly were killed in the blast on the morning of May 3.
The IOPC say their 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”.
The police watchdog 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”.
A tribute to 35-year-old Joanne Shaw said she “brought warmth, kindness and strength into the lives of countless people” – photo: familly
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.”
An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “Avon and Somerset Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the deaths of Joanne Shaw and Ryan Kelly in Bristol last month due to previous domestic incidents having been reported to us.
“We have recorded Ms Shaw’s death as a homicide. As previously stated, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
“Our thoughts remain with her family, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the IOPC’s enquiries.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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