A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a tragic house fire in Bradford that claimed the lives of a woman and three young children.
The man, who was apprehended at the scene and later hospitalized with critical injuries, is reportedly the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the affected family.
The victims of the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning, have been identified as 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith, along with her children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle.
Floral tributes and a heartfelt note have been left at the site, with one message reading: “To Bryony [sic], Denisty [sic], Oscar + Aubree. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.”
West Yorkshire Police were called to the fire on Westbury Road at around 2:07 am. In an attempt to dispel rumors circulating online, police confirmed that the suspect is the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family at the time. Jonathan, Bryonie’s current partner, is said to be devastated by the loss.
The police also clarified that officers had visited the home last month on an unrelated matter, which is why no referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct will be made.
Local residents described the scene of the fire as overwhelming, with thick smoke filling the area and screams heard during the incident. One neighbor recalled, “It’s a massive thing that’s gone on. It’s scary.”
Many in the community have expressed their shock and sadness, with the incident being described as “awful” and “horrendous.”
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, who is leading the investigation, described the incident as “absolutely devastating” and confirmed that early inquiries suggest the fire was started deliberately. She urged anyone with information, CCTV footage, or doorbell camera recordings from the area to contact the police.
Specially trained officers are providing support to the family, while neighborhood officers continue to carry out investigations and offer reassurance to the local community.
