Murder suspect arrested after mother, 29, and children killed in Bradford house fire are 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 ex-partner of the woman who was visiting family, police said.

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

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West Yorkshire Police said: “Due to the speculation online surrounding the fire we would like to address some 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 family. He is still in critical condition in hospital.”

Jonathan, the children’s father, said he was “very upset” after the “sudden loss”.

According to authorities, uniformed officers went to the address last month for a different reason.

The family, including Bryonie’s partner Jonathan, continue to receive support from specialist officers.

Police said: “It is understandable that they are devastated by this loss and we ask that their privacy is respected.”

Police previously said they believed the fire was started deliberately and was a “domestic problem.”

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

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

“B was always a very cheerful, happy, bubbly, beautiful woman, who cared for everyone and was loved by everyone. Her children were everything to her, all her life.

“Oggy had a mischievous smile, he was cheeky but shy, Strawbs was shy and timid with big blue eyes and blond hair and Chuch was a beautiful, confident, outgoing and creative young girl.

“We are still trying to understand what has happened to our beautiful family. No words can describe how we feel and no words can ever make up for the profound loss we are now facing,” the statement added.

“We are overwhelmed and grateful for all the support and kind words we have received, but we ask as a family that we can be given the respect and privacy we need to try to process the unimaginable sadness and grief of this tragic loss of our beautiful family.

“Our thoughts and support also to the father of our three babies. Please give him peace to grieve and process the loss of his family.”

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In his own statement, father Jonathan said: “I am devastated by the sudden loss of my fiancée, 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 can’t imagine life without them.

“I will never forget them and they will always remain in my heart.”

Flowers were also laid at the scene of the fire in Bradford, West Yorks, after the blaze destroyed the three-bedroom semi-detached house in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A card left at the crime scene contained a heartbreaking note: “To Bryony (sic), Denisty (sic), Oscar + Aubree.

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

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