Police have made two additional arrests following a tragic house fire in Bradford that claimed the lives of a mother and her three young children. The victims, Bryonie Gawith, affectionately known as B, along with her children—Denisty, 9; Oscar, 5; and Aubree Birtle, 22 months—died in the early hours of Wednesday morning after the fire broke out at their home on Westbury Road.
In the wake of this devastating event, two men, aged 36 and 45, were arrested on suspicion of murder. The arrests took place during overnight raids in the Keighley area of Bradford. Both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Additionally, a 39-year-old man, who was initially arrested at the scene on Wednesday, also on suspicion of murder, remains hospitalized in critical condition. This individual was identified by West Yorkshire Police as the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family at the time of the incident.
The fire, which has left the community in shock, is being treated as a deliberate act, prompting a full-scale murder investigation. Authorities have been conducting extensive inquiries and are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The loss of Bryonie and her three children has deeply affected the local community, with many expressing their sorrow and support for the grieving family. Police continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses, while the community mourns this heartbreaking tragedy.
In a heartfelt statement released by the police, the family of the victims expressed their deep sorrow following the tragic loss of Bryonie Gawith, known as “our B,” and her three children, lovingly referred to as “Chuch, Oggy, and Strawberry.” The family described their grief as “unimaginable,” stating that they are still struggling to comprehend the devastating events that have torn their family apart. They emphasized that no words could capture the depth of their loss or ease the pain they are enduring.
Jonathan, the father of the children, conveyed his own profound heartbreak, describing himself as “absolutely distraught” over the “sudden loss” of his loved ones. His anguish was palpable as he spoke of the unimaginable void left by the deaths of his partner and children. The family also extended their thoughts and support to Jonathan, requesting that he be allowed the space and peace to grieve privately during this incredibly difficult time.
The family’s statement highlighted their need for privacy as they navigate the early stages of their grief. They asked the public to respect this request, allowing them to process their loss away from the public eye. Their message underscored the deep emotional impact that this tragedy has had on all who were close to Bryonie and her children.
Meanwhile, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, who is leading the investigation, provided an update on the ongoing inquiry. She confirmed that “extensive enquiries remain ongoing” and assured the public that the investigation is both “live and active.” Atkinson noted that specialist officers continue to support the grieving family during this trying time.
In her statement, Detective Chief Inspector Atkinson also renewed the appeal for information, urging anyone with knowledge related to the fire to come forward. The investigation remains a top priority, and any details, no matter how small, could prove crucial in uncovering the truth behind this heartbreaking incident.