Shock video shows ‘deliberate’ house fire that killed mum and children aged one, 5 and 9, as man arrested over ‘murder’
HORROR footage has shown huge flames ripping through a house in a devastating blaze that left a mum and three children dead.
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.
The fire tore through the three-bed semi in the early hours of Wednesday morning with emergency services called just after 2am.
A video shows the strength of the flames as they billow from the windows of the house.
Terrified bystanders watching on can be heard screaming as firefighters bravely worked to put out the blaze.
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.
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.
Devastating photos 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.
Floral tributes were left at the scene of the fire yesterday after the fire ripped through the property.
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.”
Neighbours on Westbury Road reported hearing “screams” coming from the home after around five fire engines and a dozen ambulances arrived just after 2am on Wednesday.
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.”
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.”