Police name woman and three children who died in Bradford house fire
A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder
Last updated 21st Aug 2024
Four people who died in a house fire in Bradford have been named by West Yorkshire Police as 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five and Aubree Birtle, 22 months.
Officers were called at 2.07am (21 August) by the fire service to reports of a house fire at a property on Westbury Road.
A 29-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
While three children – two girls aged nine and one, and a five-year-old boy - were taken to hospital. Sadly, all three have 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.
Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater of Bradford Police read the below update at the scene today: “Shortly after 2am this morning, officers were called to a report of a house fire on Westbury Road in Bradford.
“On officer’s arrival it was confirmed that a 29-year-old woman named Bryonie Gawith had died at the scene.
"Her three children, nine-year-old Denisty Birtle, five -year-old Oscar Birtle and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle were taken to hospital where sadly all three died from their injuries.
“Detectives from our Homicide and Major Enquiry team have launched a murder investigation into the fire.
“Whilst enquiries are in their early stages, we believe that the fire was started deliberately, and that this incident was domestic related. A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in a critical condition in hospital.
“Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and my neighbourhood officers are in the area carrying out reassurance patrols.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in the Westbury Road area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.
“Anyone with information that could help our investigation, I would urge you to contact us via 101 quoting log 107 of 21st of August."
“Information can always be given anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity. “Our thoughts are with the family, their friends and the wider community at this sad time.”