Two men, aged 36 and 45, have been arrested on suspicion of murder following a devastating house fire in Bradford that claimed the lives of a mother and her three children.
The tragic incident, which occurred on August 21, resulted in the death of 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith at the scene. Her children, Denisty, aged nine, Oscar, aged five, and Aubree Birtle, aged just 22 months, were rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to their injuries.
A 39-year-old man, who was arrested at the scene on Wednesday morning on suspicion of murder, remains in critical condition in the hospital. Police have confirmed that the man was an ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family at their home on Westbury Road in Bradford.
Tributes have poured in for the victims, with family members describing Bryonie as a “joyful, bubbly, beautiful woman.” Heartbroken relatives shared memories of her warmth and energy, mourning the loss of her and her beloved children.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police said: “Extensive inquiries remain ongoing today in what is very much a live and active investigation. Specialist officers are continuing to support the family, who are understandably devastated at their loss, and we ask that their privacy is respected.
The investigation continues as emergency services work to determine the cause of the fire. Police and fire crews were called to the property just after 2 a.m. on Wednesday, where multiple fire engines battled the blaze. Neighbors reported hearing screams and described the overwhelming smell of burning rubber.
One local resident shared, “Flames and smoke were coming out of the house. We were shocked. There was really thick smoke coming up the street. It filled the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming.”
Another neighbor, who witnessed the emergency response, recalled seeing firefighters rushing into the burning home. “There were other residents trying to help too. It was terrifying.”
The scene remains cordoned off as forensic officers continue their investigation. Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious or has information related to the incident to contact them via 101, quoting log 107 of 21 August. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
