Murder suspect arrested after death of 29-year-old mother and her children in Bradford house fire – Ex of woman visiting tragic family

A man arrested on suspicion of murder after a mother and her three children died in a house fire was the woman's former partner who was visiting the family, police said.

The four victims of the fire in Bradford, West Yorkshire, were named as Bryonie Gawith, 29, Denisty-mai Birtle, 9, Oscar Birtle, 5, and one-year-old Aubree Birtle.

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West Yorkshire Police said: “Due to the speculation circulating online surrounding the fire, we would like 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. His condition is critical and he remains in hospital.”

Jonathan, the children’s father, expressed his “completely distraught” state after the “sudden loss.”

Authorities said uniformed police officers went to the address last month for another reason.

The family, including Bryonie's partner Jonathan, continues to receive support from specialist officials.

Police said: “They are understandably devastated by their loss and we ask that you respect their privacy.”

The police had previously stated that they believed the fire had been deliberately set and had a “domestic background”.

A statement released by police said the loss of “our B” and the children, known as “Chuch, Oggy and Strawberry”, had caused “unimaginable grief and heartache”.

The tribute states: “Our B was the life of the party, music was a big part of her life, she loved music, singing and dancing, she was always singing and dancing with Chuch (Denisty), Oggy (Oscar) and Strawberry (Aubree).

“B was always a truly happy, cheerful, vibrant and beautiful woman who cared for everyone and was loved by everyone. Her children meant everything to her throughout her life.

“Oggy had the cheekiest smile, he was cheeky but a shy boy, Strawbs was shy and embarrassed 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 feel and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we now face,” the statement continued.

“We are overwhelmed and grateful for all the support and kind words we have received, but we ask as a family that we are given respect and privacy so that we can try to cope with the unimaginable grief and heartache of this tragic loss of our wonderful family.

“Our thoughts and support also go out to the father of our three babies. Please give him peace so that he can grieve and come to terms with the loss of his family.”

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In his own statement, father Jonathan said: “I am absolutely devastated by the sudden loss of my fiancée Bryonie and our three wonderful children.

“Bryonie and I were together for a long time and we had a beautiful life together.

“She was a beautiful woman and a loving mother to Oscar, Aubree and Denisty.

“I loved her with all my heart and if I had the chance, I would take her place immediately. I can't imagine life without her.

“You will never be forgotten and will always remain in my heart.”

Flowers were also laid at the scene of the fire in Bradford, West Yorkshire, after the three-bedroom terraced house was ravaged by fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A heartbreaking message on a card left at the scene read: “For Bryony [sic]Denisty [sic]Oscar + Aubree.

“We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.”

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