Heartbroken friends and shocked neighbours have paid tribute
Floral tributes left at Sterncourt Road(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
Floral tributes have been left outside a Bristol home where a fatal explosion killed a much-loved mum and her ex-partner.
Bunches of flowers and hand-written messages have been placed outside the property on Sterncourt Road in Frenchay, where a police presence remains visible today (Wednesday, May 6).
Jo Shaw was killed in an explosion believed to have been detonated by her ex-partner Ryan Kelly.
Both Jo and convicted drugs gang member Kelly were killed on Sunday morning (May 3) after police received a call reporting he had “forced entry to the house and was believed to be in possession of an explosive device”.
Avon and Somerset Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the blast and have made a referral to the police watchdog due to a history of domestic incidents involving those who died.
One written tribute left at the scene said: “To my beautiful friend Jo; my heart is breaking for you […] and your family. Rest in paradise.”
Another said: “Jo, there are no words. Rest peacefully angel. Our love and prayers are with your family”.
Online, tributes have also been pouring in since the incident with mum Jo being described as the “friendliest” person who was “beautiful inside and out”.
One of Jo’s friends posted: “Thinking of you Joey and lots of care and love to your friends and family. I’m shocked and upset to hear that this has happened to you.”
Another wrote: “I’m so shocked. I feel like we were only messaging on chat not even that long ago. Rest in peace Jo. So much love for you, I enjoyed the times I spent with you.
“You were such an outgoing, friendly person with a great, unique energy. You will be missed. Sending love to your family.”
Floral tributes on Sterncourt Road(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
Sammi Lee, a friend of Jo’s for two decades, spoke in an emotional interview of how her best friend “lit up every room she walked into”.
Emergency services were called to the property at around 6.17am on Sunday, to reports of a domestic incident. The explosion happened just after 6.30am.
Neighbours said Kelly, 41, arrived at the property carrying what they described as a “grenade”. Avon and Somerset Police has not confirmed this but said Jo’s death is being treated as a homicide.
Three other people, including a child, suffered minor injuries during the incident.