Emergency services have declared a major incident following an explosion that claimed two lives.

The incident occurred at a home on Sterncourt Road in Bristol at approximately 6.30am this morning (May 3). A safety perimeter has been established while responders work at the scene.

Avon and Somerset Police are treating the cause of the blast as suspicious and have declared a major incident.

Two adults were pronounced dead at the property, and their next of kin have been informed. The force has stated that responders are executing established protocols in dealing with this situation.

The police statement indicated that inquiries remain in their early phases but that no other individuals are currently sought in connection with the incident.

The safety perimeter was set up as a precautionary measure to protect the public. Residents within that zone are being moved to a temporary shelter. Other properties in the area are not thought to have suffered substantial damage.

Officers are also conducting investigations at a property in Speedwell connected to this matter.

Given the recent adjustment to the UK’s threat level, the public are being assured that this is not being investigated as a suspected terrorist incident.

Members of the public are urged to refrain from speculation about the circumstances and to continue avoiding the area while emergency services carry out their response.