Mum, 29, and kids aged one, five and 9, killed in house fire are named as tributes flood in & man arrested over ‘murder’
TRIBUTES have flooded in for a mum and three kids who died in a devastating house fire.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, Denisty-mai Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five and one-year-old Aubree Birtle were named as the four victims of the blaze in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and is currently in hospital in critical condition, the force said.
Last night, the childrens’ distraught dad was being comforted by family liaison officers.
Floral tributes were left at the scene of the fire in Bradford, West Yorks., after the fire tore through the three-bed semi in the early hours.
A heartbreaking note on a card left at the scene read: “To Bryony [sic], Denisty [sic], Oscar + Aubree.
“Thinking of you at this difficult time. Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.”
Police confirmed that Bryonie died at the scene of the blaze while the three children were passed away in hospital.
An initial investigation showed the fire in Bradford was deliberately set and is believed to be a domestic-related crime, police said.
Heartbreaking photos today showed the toys of the children and damaged furniture strewn across the back garden.
Charred out windows and doors also revealed a scene of devastation following the blaze at the semi-detached property.
Detective chief inspector Stacey Atkinson said: “This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives.
“Our thoughts remain with their family, friends and loved ones.
“Early enquiries show that the fire was started deliberately, and we have arrested one man on suspicion of murder.
“He is seriously ill in hospital as a result of injuries caused by the fire.
“While our enquiries are at an early stage, we do at this time believe the incident is domestic related.
“We are appealing anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.”
Speaking at the scene Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater said: “Our thoughts are with the family, their friends and the community at this sad time.”
Neighbours on Westbury Road reported hearing “screams” coming from the home after around five fire engines and a dozen ambulances arrived just after 2am.
Others saw smoke “billowing out of the house” and smelled “burned rubber” as the property went up in flames.
One neighbour, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “‘Flames and smoke were coming out of house. We were shocked.
“There was really thick smoke coming up the street. It filled the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming.
“You could hear screaming. I was scared to go up there to see because you don’t know what’s happening. It’s a massive thing that’s gone on. It’s scary.”
There was really thick smoke coming up the street. It filled the whole area. It was overwhelming”
Anonymous neighbour
“My husband went up the street to see if he could help. He could see it was a house fire as there were flames and smoke coming out of it. The fire was blazing.
“But firefighters and police told him to stand back and not put himself in danger. There were other residents trying to help too.”
Another local resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “There was a large police presence. I believe at least 15 police vehicles were there.
“I also saw about six ambulances and at least four or five fire engines.”
A further resident said: “It woke me up. I heard the sirens at 2am or 3am in the morning.
“Smoke was billowing out of the house. I knew something had happened and it was not good. There was a bad smell. It smelled like burned rubber.”