Police make further arrests following fatal Bradford house fire
Four people lost their lives following the blaze on Wednesday evening
Last updated 24th Aug 2024
West Yorkshire Police have made further arrests in connection with a fatal house fire in Bradford.
Four people lost their lives following the blaze at a property on Westbury Road on Wednesday evening (August 21st), and saw a heavy emergency response from local services.
The victims were later named as Bryonie Gawith aged 29, and her three children – Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and Aubree Birtle, who was two months away from turning 2.
Following the blaze, a murder investigation was opened into the cause of the fire, believing there was foul play.
Previously, a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene, but remains in hospital, with his condition being described as "critical".
A number of subsequent warrants were issued on Friday night (August 23rd), with a several of these being acted on in the Keighley area.
Two men, aged both 36 and 45 have now also been arrested on suspicion of murder and currently remain in police custody.
Officers currently remain in place at the property, with searches also being carried out at addresses on Carlby Grove, Carlton Street, Malsis Road and Minnie Street.
Speaking on the update, Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson - a Senior Investigating Officer who is leading the enquiry, said the family of the victims are still their main priority.
"Extensive enquiries remain ongoing today in what is very much a live and active investigation," Atkinson said.
“Specialist officers are continuing to support the family. They are understandably devastated at their loss, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.
“We are continuing to appeal for any information in relation to the fire, and keen to speak to anyone who might have any information to come forward.”
Those who may have any relevant information is being asked to contact 101 and quote incident reference number 107 from August 21st.