Two men from London have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died during a burglary in Bristol on Monday morning, Avon and Somerset Police have said.

The men from London, aged 25 and 37, are currently in police custody.

Police were called shortly after 1am following reports of an aggravated burglary in Prewett Street in the Redcliffe area of the city, in which two other men suffered life-threatening injuries.

The three victims are also from the capital and police have said they are looking at whether the incident is drugs related. 

In a statement, police said: “On arrival, it soon became clear several people had been assaulted. Sadly, a man died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the incident. Two other men have been taken to hospital with life threatening injuries.”

Senior Investigating Officer Andrew Mott said: “We deployed a significant number of resources to this incident and as a result, we’ve apprehended two men who ran away from the scene when we arrived.

“This is now a murder inquiry and the public will see a significantly increased police presence in the area with detectives and staff examining the scene and neighbourhood officers conducting extra reassurance patrols.

“Early indications are that this appears to be an isolated incident but I’d urge anyone with concerns to speak to one of the neighbourhood officers.”

Inspector Martin Rowland, city centre neighbourhood inspector, said on Monday afternoon that officers were keeping an “open mind” and would follow up “all lines of inquiry”.

Asked whether the investigation was following any links to organised crime and drugs, Rowland said: “Too early to say, it is being considered as part of our inquiry, things like county lines and drugs.”

Officers were searching the road outside the block of flats on Monday, while forensic officers were examining a black Mercedes that had come to a halt in the middle of the street.

Police have closed one side of the A38 Redcliffe Hill – a main arterial route around Bristol city centre – causing significant traffic disruption.

“We are aware of the disruption in the local area with the closure of the road and we are working as quickly as we can but I know people will understand that these things take time and need to be done properly,” Rowland said.