The UK police watchdog has launched an investigation into police contact with a man accused of stalking and harassment before a fatal Bristol explosion homicide that killed a woman and injured several others.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is examining interactions between Avon and Somerset Police, Jo Shaw and her former partner Ryan Kelly in the years leading up to the deadly explosion in the Frenchay area of Bristol on 3 May.
Shaw, 35, died after sustaining severe injuries in the blast, while Kelly, 41, was also killed in the incident, which police are treating as a deliberate act and a homicide.
IOPC Launches Investigation Into Police Contact
The watchdog said its investigation will review incidents spanning a five-year period from May 2021 onward, focusing on police handling of allegations involving Kelly, including accusations of stalking, harassment and assault.
IOPC engagement director Derrick Campbell said investigators are conducting a thorough and independent review into the circumstances surrounding the case.
“There is a significant history of police involvement in relation to Mr Kelly’s behaviour,” Campbell said, adding that investigators are examining extensive documentation connected to previous allegations and police responses.
The watchdog confirmed that police last had contact with Shaw four days before the fatal explosion.
Fatal Explosion Treated as Deliberate Attack
Avon and Somerset Police said the explosion occurred after officers received a domestic incident call at approximately 6:17am from someone inside the property.
According to police, the caller reported that a man known to them had forced entry into the house. While officers were being dispatched, the caller remained on the line and later informed police that the man was believed to possess an explosive device.
At around 6:32am, an explosion occurred at the property.
Police officers arrived at the scene two minutes later, followed shortly by fire and ambulance services.
Authorities declared a major incident following the blast, with emergency services evacuating nearby residents and establishing a rest centre in coordination with Bristol City Council.
Three additional people, including a child, suffered minor injuries.
Coroner Reveals Cause of Death
Proceedings at Avon coroner’s court revealed that Jo Shaw died from “penetrating fragmentation blast injuries to the chest and pelvis.”
Ryan Kelly sustained fatal blast injuries affecting the head, neck, torso and limbs. Specialist searches were later conducted by an army explosive ordnance disposal team alongside specialist police officers. Investigators also searched an address linked to Kelly, though no evacuations were required there.
Domestic Abuse and Police Accountability Concerns
The case has renewed scrutiny over police responses to domestic abuse, stalking and coercive behaviour, particularly in cases involving repeated allegations over extended periods.
Campaigners and victim advocacy groups have increasingly called for stronger intervention measures and improved risk assessments in high-risk domestic abuse cases.
The involvement of the Independent Office for Police Conduct reflects broader concerns about whether warning signs and prior complaints were handled appropriately before the fatal incident occurred.
Growing Focus on Stalking and Domestic Violence Cases
In recent years, UK policing bodies have faced growing pressure to improve responses to stalking, harassment and violence against women.
Several high-profile cases have prompted reviews into how police forces assess escalating threats posed by individuals with histories of abusive behaviour.
Under UK law, the IOPC is responsible for independently investigating serious incidents involving police conduct, particularly in cases where prior police contact may be relevant to a death or serious harm.
The Bristol case is expected to intensify discussion around safeguarding measures, information-sharing and how authorities respond to repeated reports of threatening behaviour.
The investigation remains at an early stage, and the IOPC said all relevant parties will continue to be updated as inquiries progress.