The man accused of murdering a ‘beautiful’ mother and three children in an ‘arson attack’ at a Bradford home the ex-partner of someone who was visiting, police have confirmed.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene of the blaze on Wednesday morning, while her two daughters, nine-year-old Denisty Birtle and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle, and her son Oscar Birtle, five, later died in hospital.
The family’s devastated family paid tribute to the mother and children, describing Bryonie as a ‘joyful, bubbly, beautiful woman’.
Police have now confirmed the man arrested on suspicion of murder is the ex-partner of someone who was visiting the home.
West Yorkshire Police said: ‘Due to speculation online surrounding the fire, we are keen 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.
‘He remains in hospital in a critical condition.’
Tributes are already pouring in for Bryonie, with loved ones saying: ‘Our B was the life and soul of the party, music was a big part of her life, she loved music, singing and dancing, she would always be singing and dancing with Chuch, Oggy and Strawberry [the children].
‘B was always a really happy, joyful, bubbly beautiful woman, who cared for everyone and was loved by everyone, her kids were everything to her, her whole life.
‘Oggy had the cheekiest smile, he was cheeky but he was a shy boy, Strawbs was shy and bashful 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 are feeling and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now faced with.’
The family added: ‘We are overwhelmed and grateful for all the support and kind words we are receiving, but we ask as a family if we can be given the respect and privacy so we can try to come to terms with the unimaginable sadness and grief of this tragic loss of our beautiful family.
‘Also our thoughts and support for the father of our three babies. Please allow him peace to grieve and come to terms with the loss of his family.’
The children’s father, Jonathan, has also released a statement last night.
He said: ‘I am absolutely distraught at 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 cannot imagine life without them. They will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart.’
Bryonie and her three children died after their Westbury Road home was deliberately set alight, West Yorkshire Police said.
Specialist officers continue to support the family, including Bryonie’s partner Jonathan.
Anyone who can assist in the police investigation is asked to contact them via 101 or use the live chat facility https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat, quoting log 107 of 21 August.
Information can also be given anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.