West Yorkshire Police has launched a murder investigation after four people died in a house fire in Bradford in the early hours of this morning.
Officers were called at 2:07am on 21 August by the fire service to reports of a house fire at a property on Westbury Road.
29-year-old Bryonie Gawith was pronounced dead at the scene while three children – nine-year-old Denisty Birtle, five-year-old Oscar Birtle and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle – were taken to hospital. All three have tragically died from the injuries they suffered in the fire.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries.
“This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives. Our thoughts remain with their family, friends and loved ones,” said Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team at West Yorkshire Police. “Early enquiries show that the fire was started deliberately, and we have arrested one man on suspicion of murder. He is seriously ill in hospital today as a result of injuries caused by the fire.”
While the inquiries are still ongoing, the police believe the incident is domestic related.
“We are appealing anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward,” she requested. “Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and we are working with local neighbourhood officers to carry out enquiries and provide reassurance in the area.”
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious has been requested to contact the police.
