Arabic version: انفجار في بريستول يؤدي إلى مقتل شخصين وإعلان حادث كبير

Two people have died and a major incident declared following an explosion in Bristol, police say. Avon and Somerset Police were called to a residence in Sterncourt Road, Frenchay, at about 06:30 BST before officers cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby residents from their homes to a “temporary rest centre”.

According to BBC News, the police are treating the incident as suspicious but have clarified that it is not being investigated as a suspected terrorist incident. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculating about the circumstances and to stay clear of the area while emergency services continue their work.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion. One resident, Bradley Shepherd, described how the noise startled him awake. He noted that emergency services arrived quickly, with armed police on the scene within minutes. Residents were initially relocated to a local Harvester restaurant and later moved to the Begbrook Social Club at around 12:30 BST for safety.

The police have stated that inquiries are in the early stages and no additional suspects are being sought at this time. A bomb disposal unit was present at the scene throughout the morning, ensuring public safety as investigations proceed. Authorities indicated that there was no significant damage to surrounding properties.

The College of Policing has defined a major incident as an event requiring special arrangements by emergency responder agencies due to serious consequences. The investigation continues as police work to determine the cause of the explosion.