AN EXPLOSION which killed a mum at her home was a “grenade attack” by her ex, it was claimed yesterday.

The man also died in the blast, which rocked a quiet suburban street.

It was understood the woman’s son and two other family members suffered minor injuries and have left hospital.

Shortly before the explosion, cops said officers had received a call to attend a “domestic-related incident” on Sunday.

But before they arrived, an explosion occurred inside the property at about 6.30am on Sterncourt Road, Bristol – leaving cops and emergency services scrambling to the scene.

The force said they were not looking for anyone in connection with the incident although the investigation was at an early stage.

Cops are also probing another home in Speedwell, Bristol, linked to the man that died.

Neighbours said the woman, who was not named, recently moved to the terraced house in Frenchay, Bristol, to escape an ex-partner.

One, carpenter Wayne Smith, 58, told The Sun: “He’s turned up at her house with a grenade and detonated it on the doorstep and killed the pair of them.”

Mr Smith and others living in the square felt their homes shake when the blast hit at about 6.30am on Sunday.

Fire engines raced to the scene and cops sealed off the area and evacuated residents.

Army bomb disposal experts were also called in.

Mr Smith added: “At first when I heard the boom I thought it was a gas explosion or even a huge car crash. I could feel the whole house shake.”

Friends paid ­tribute to the victim, who was said to work at a tanning salon.

One called her “the most amazing woman I’ve ever known”.

The pal, who asked not to be named, added: “Last week she sounded so happy that she was finally safe and free from her ex.”

Police have not yet ­confirmed the cause of the blast.

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, Superintendent Matt Ebbs said: “A woman and a man have died at the address and we’re treating the explosion as suspicious.

“Their families have been updated and are being supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts are very much with them.”

He added: A cordon was put in place to protect the public and to allow inquiries to be carried out at the scene.

“This included specialist searches carried out by the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, as a precaution.

“People living within the cordon were evacuated to a temporary rest centre, and we want to thank them for their ongoing cooperation and understanding.

“We fully recognise how disruptive this has been for them, and to manage expectations, we think the cordon will remain in place until at least the evening, and we’ll continue to provide updates where we can.

“Public safety will always be our priority and we’ll reduce the cordon as soon as it’s safe for people to return to their homes.”

A further police update late on Sunday night confirmed extensive searches has been conducted at the property, and the area declared safe.

Avon and Somerset Police said the cordon has been “significantly reduced and almost all residents can return home”.

Residents who live in the smaller area which is still cordoned off for the investigation are receiving support from Bristol City Council.