THE family of a mum killed in an explosion in Frenchay have praised her “heroic” actions and “legacy of love, compassion, and strength”.
Joanne Shaw, who was 35, was killed on May 3 after her ex-partner Ryan Kelly forced his way into a house in Sterncourt Road, carrying an explosive device.
Kelly, aged 41, was also killed when the device detonated.
It has been reported that Joanne got her child out of the house before the explosion. Two other people in the house, who are understood to be family members, also survived the incident, with minor injuries.
Police released a statement from her family, which said: “Joanne’s actions were nothing short of heroic.
“She showed extraordinary strength, selflessness, and love in the face of unimaginable fear, placing herself between danger and those she loved.
membered not for the violence inflicted upon her, but for her bravery, her protective instinct, and the ultimate sacrifice she made for others.”
Police say they are treating the explosion as deliberate and Joanne’s death is being investigated as a homicide.
They have been unable to confirm reports that the explosion was caused by a hand grenade, telling the Voice that analysis of the device had not been completed.
A spokesperson said: “We are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
“Joanne’s family have asked for their privacy to be respected but want the world to know how much she meant to them all.”
The family said: “Joanne brought warmth, kindness, and strength into the lives of countless people.
“Her loving presence will be missed more than words can ever express, but her memory will forever remain in our hearts.
“Her child has suffered the unimaginable loss of their mummy in this tragedy. Joanne’s love for her child was boundless, and the centre of her world. She was a devoted and loving mother.
“Joanne grew up in Stapleton, where she lived her whole life and became well known in the community for her bubbly, friendly personality.
“She welcomed everyone into her life with open arms and the biggest heart.
“Joanne loved meeting new people, listening to their stories, sharing advice, and forming genuine connections wherever she went; a number of these resulted in eternal friendships.
“Her infectious laugh could fill a room and light up everyone’s world. Life and soul not only of the party, but our lives.
“She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and strength that will never be forgotten.
“We ask for privacy at this deeply difficult time as we mourn our tragic loss. Joanne will always be in our memories, our thoughts, and our hearts.
“We love you forever, sweetheart. Mummy, I miss you and love you so much.”
Avon & Somerset police is referring itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident, because the force had previously received complaints about domestic incidents from Ms Shaw.
On the day of the explosion, police said they were called at 6.17am, about 15 minutes before the explosion, by a caller who said a man had forced entry to the house in Sterncourt Road in a “domestic-related incident”.
A spokesperson said several “double-crewed” police units were sent to the address and were told that Kelly was in possession of an explosive device at about 6.30am.
The first officers arrived at the scene at 6.34am, about two minutes after the explosion.
People were evacuated from neighbouring homes in the estate between Frenchay Park Road and Begbrook Park as it was declared a ‘major incident’ and bomb disposal experts were called in.
Temporary rest centres were set up, first at the nearby Snuff Mills Harvester and then at the Stapleton & Begbrook Club, in nearby Frenchay Park Road.
A house in Speedwell linked to Kelly was searched but no evacuations were needed.
Forensic investigators also searched a car found parked near Five Acre Drive. It was cordoned off, along with the footpath access to Sterncourt Road from Begbrook Green Park.
The following day the cordon was reduced, before being fully removed by May 5, although police remained at the house where the incident happened.
An online fundraising page launched to help pay for a funeral for Ms Shaw and for support for her child and family had raised more than £22,000 as the Voice went to print.
It can be found at tinyurl.com/3brxsp58.