POLICE are being investigated to see whether officers could have better protected a woman who was killed with her ex-partner in an explosion in Frenchay.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct says it is looking into the contact Avon & Somerset Police had with Joanne Shaw, who was 35, and Ryan Kelly, 41, before their deaths on May 3.
Joanne was killed after her ex-partner Kelly forced his way into a house in Sterncourt Road, carrying an explosive device.
She had previously reported incidents of “stalking, harassment and assault” by Kelly.
Police say they are treating the explosion as deliberate and Joanne’s death is being investigated as a homicide.
They have not confirmed reports that the explosion was caused by a hand grenade, but say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
The force referred itself to the IOPC, a mandatory process in cases where people have died after recent contact with the police.
The IOPC said police last had contact with Joanne four days before the explosion.
A spokesperson said: “Our enquiries will look at whether appropriate steps were taken by police to safeguard Ms Shaw before she died, spanning a timeframe of five years, between May 2021 and May 2026, including whether all incidents during this period were adequately resourced, progressed and risk-assessed.
“We will also consider whether there were any missed opportunities which may have contributed to the deaths of Ms Shaw and Mr Kelly and whether police officers and staff acted in accordance with local and national policies and procedures.”
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected at this very difficult time.
“We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out a thorough investigation, to fully establish the circumstances of what happened prior to the tragic events of May 3.
“There is a significant history of police involvement in relation to Mr Kelly’s behaviour, including allegations of stalking, harassment and assault, which we need to examine as part of our investigation.
“We are reviewing extensive documentation detailing that history as part of our enquiries
“We will be keeping all interested parties updated as our investigation, which is at an early stage, progresses.”
After her death Joanne’s family praised her “heroic” actions in the moments leading up to the explosion, which her child and two other family members survived.
They said: “She showed extraordinary strength, selflessness, and love in the face of unimaginable fear, placing herself between danger and those she loved.
“She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and strength that will never be forgotten.”