Two killed and major incident declared after explosion

Two killed and major incident declared after explosion7 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleBBCPolice and paramedics are among emergency services at the scene in FrenchayTwo people have been killed and a major incident declared following an explosion in a residential area of Bristol, police have confirmed.Avon and Somerset Police were called to a reported explosion on Sterncourt Road at about 06:30 BST before they cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby residents from their homes to a "temporary rest centre"."Given the recent change to the UK threat level, we would like to reassure the public from the outset we are not treating this as a suspected terrorist incident," the force said."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," it added.Officers were also carrying out inquiries at a property in Speedwell linked to the incident, the force said.Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.FrenchayBristol