Heartfelt tributes have been pouring in for a beloved mother and her three young children who tragically lost their lives in a house fire on Westbury Road, Bradford, on Wednesday. Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her children, Denisty Birtle, 9, Oscar Birtle, 5, and Aubree Birtle, just 22 months old, all perished in the devastating blaze.
Bryonie, known as “B” to her loved ones, was remembered as a “happy, joyful, bubbly beautiful woman” who was the life and soul of the party. Her partner, Jonathan, expressed his profound grief, saying he was “absolutely distraught” by the sudden loss of his fiancée and their three beautiful children. “I loved them with all my heart, and if I had the chance, I would take their place in a heartbeat,” he said, describing Bryonie as a loving mother who cherished her children.
The family’s tribute captured the essence of Bryonie’s spirit, emphasizing her love for music, singing, and dancing with her children, whom she affectionately called Chuch, Oggy, and Strawberry. “B was always a really happy, joyful, bubbly beautiful woman, who cared for everyone and was loved by everyone,” they said.
Police have confirmed that a 39-year-old man, who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, remains in critical condition in the hospital. He has been identified as the ex-partner of a woman who had been visiting the family at the time of the fire. West Yorkshire Police believe the incident was “deliberate” and “domestic” in nature.
The force also clarified that uniformed officers had visited the address last month on an unrelated matter, and no referral would be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Dozens of tributes have been left outside the scene of the fire as the community mourns the tragic loss. Flowers, messages, and mementoes now adorn the area, a testament to the impact Bryonie and her children had on those around them.
The family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support, asking for privacy as they come to terms with their unimaginable grief. “No words can describe how we are feeling, and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now faced with,” they said.
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in offering their condolences and support to the grieving family during this difficult time.
