Officers were called to a “domestic related incident” in Sternourt Road, Bristol, at 6.17am on Sunday and there was an explosion at around 6.30am, shortly before they arrived.
Police named the woman as 35-year-old Jo Shaw and her 41-year-old former partner, Ryan Kelly.
At around 6.30am, police were told a man was believed to have an explosive device at the property, then around two minutes later an explosion was heard.
Three other people, including the person who called the police, were treated for minor injuries.
Superintendent Matt Ebbs from Avon and Somerset Police said: “We know people will be shocked and upset to learn of the horrendous events that happened on Sunday morning.
“Jo’s death has been officially recorded as a homicide based on the information known to us at this time. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.”
Officers worked with the city council to evacuate people staying in neighbouring properties as a precaution, and a temporary rest centre was set up.
Police said extensive searches were carried out by the army’s explosive ordnance disposal team and specialist police officers to ensure the area was safe.
The cordon was reduced on Sunday night, and almost all residents were allowed to return home.
A search of an address in Speedwell linked to Mr Kelly concluded over the bank holiday weekend, with no evacuations required at that location, the force added.
Superintendent Ebbs said: “Police activity continues to be carried out at the property in Sterncourt Road and we expect this will take several days to be completed.
“We would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any wider risk to safety and this is not being treated as terrorism-related.
“As previously stated, we believe the cause of the explosion to be deliberate. Analysis work of the explosive device has not yet been completed.”
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