‘I would take their place in a heartbeat,’ says devastated dad after his 3 children & fiancee, 29, killed in house fire
A HEARTBROKEN dad said “I would take their place in a heartbeat” after his three children and fiancee were killed in a house fire.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, Denisty-mai Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five and one-year-old Aubree Birtle tragically lost their lives when the horror unfolded in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Investigations led specialists to believe the blaze had been deliberately set and it is understood to be a domestic-related crime.
The children’s devastated father has paid a heartbroken tribute to his family.
In his heart-wrenching statement, dad Jonathan said: “I am absolutely distraught at the sudden loss of my fiancee, Bryonie and our three beautiful children.
“Bryonie and I were together for a long time, and we had a good life together.
“She was a beautiful woman and a loving mother to Oscar, Aubree and Denisty.
“I loved them with all my heart and if I had the chance, I would take their place in a heartbeat. I cannot imagine life without them.
“They will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart.”
Bryonie’s family also released an emotional tribute which read: “Our B was the life and soul of the party, music was a big part of her life, she loved music, singing and dancing, she would always be singing and dancing with Chuch (Denisty), Oggy (Oscar) and Strawberry (Aubree).
“B was always a really happy, joyful, bubbly beautiful woman, who cared for everyone and was loved by everyone, her kids were everything to her, her whole life.
“Oggy had the cheekiest smile, he was cheeky but he was a shy boy, Strawbs was shy and bashful with big blue eyes and blonde hair and Chuch was a beautiful, confident, outgoing and creative young girl.
“We are still trying to comprehend what has happened to our beautiful family. No words can describe how we are feeling and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now faced with,” the statement added.
“We are overwhelmed and grateful for all the support and kind words we are receiving, but we ask as a family if we can be given the respect and privacy so we can try to come to terms with the unimaginable sadness and grief of this tragic loss of our beautiful family.
“Also our thoughts and support for the father of our three babies. Please allow him peace to grieve and come to terms with the loss of his family.”
It comes after West Yorkshire Police arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Due to speculation online surrounding the fire, we are keen to address some of the rumours.
“A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
“This man is the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family.
“He remains in hospital in a critical condition.”
The family, including Bryonie’s partner Jonathan, continues to get support from specialist officers.