Two Men Charged with Murder in Bradford House Fire That Killed Mother and Three Children

Two men have been charged with murder in connection with a devastating house fire that killed a mother and her three children in Bradford. The tragic incident occurred early on August 26, 2022, at a property on Westbury Road.

The victims, Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her children Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, were killed when their home was “deliberately set alight,” according to police. The children succumbed to their injuries in hospital after the fire.

The four victims of the fire were named as Bryonie Gawith, 29; Denisty, nine; Oscar, five; and Aubree, one-credit: Facebook.

Mohammed Shabir, 44, and Calum Sunderland, 25, both from Keighley, West Yorkshire, have been charged with four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. They were arrested over the weekend and are in custody, awaiting an appearance at Bradford Magistrates Court scheduled for tomorrow.

Cops said their home was ‘deliberately set alight’ in the early hours. Credit: Yapp App

Following the fire, a 39-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder remains in critical condition in hospital. A 36-year-old man arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder has been interviewed and released on conditional bail. Additionally, a 54-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, arrested on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender, have also been interviewed and released on bail.

The Crown Prosecution Service has urged the public to avoid reporting or commentary that could prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings. Amanda McInnes of the CPS stated, “Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Bryonie and her children. We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendants are active and that they have a right to a fair trial.”

Bryonie’s sister, Antonia Gawith, reportedly stayed with her due to a relationship breakdown, but she managed to escape the blaze. She and her other sister, Claire, and their mother, Rachel Simpson, visited the scene on Thursday to lay flowers and read tributes.

West Yorkshire Police said several warrants were executed in the Keighley area of Bradford Credit: PA.

The family has expressed their profound grief over the loss. In a statement released by police, they described Bryonie as “the life and soul of the party” and noted how much she cherished her children.

Tributes were paid after the tragedyCredit: Facebook

Jonathan Birtle, Bryonie’s partner and the father of the children, shared his devastation: “I am distraught at the sudden loss of my fiancée, Bryonie, and our three beautiful children.

Flowers with notes to the beloved mum Credit: PA

Cops rushed to the address just after 2 am on Wednesday. Credit: Ben Lack

Bryonie and I had a good life together. She was a loving mother, and I loved them wholeheartedly. If I could, I would take their place in a heartbeat. They will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart.”

Sola Adeniji

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