TWO people have died and locals have been evacuated after a “suspicious blast” rocked a residential area.
Cops and emergency services scrambled to the scene after an explosion was reported at an address in Sterncourt Road, Bristol, at about 6.30am today.
The cause of the incident is being treated as suspicious and a major incident has been declared, said Avon and Somerset Police.
A cordon remains in place at the scene in Frenchay while emergency services respond to the incident.
Cops confirmed that two adults tragically died at the address on Sterncourt Road and their next of kin have been updated.
The force said they were not looking for anyone in connection with the incident although the investigation was at an early stage.
Emergency services were following well-rehearsed plans in response to this incident, said cops.
Avon and Somerset Police added: “The cordon has been put in place as a precaution to help keep the public safe.
“People living within that cordon are therefore being evacuated to a temporary rest centre.
“There is not believed to be any significant damage to other properties.”
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that it was not being treated as a “suspected terrorist incident” despite the recent change to the UK threat level.
Officials announced the threat has been elevated from “substantial” to “severe” earlier this week.
The force added: “We ask people not to speculate around the circumstances and continue to encourage the public to avoid the area while emergency services respond to this incident.”
Officers are also carrying out enquiries at a property in Speedwell linked to this incident.
