Murder suspect in UK fire which killed mum, kids is ex of family visitor – police

The family of a mum and her three children killed in a house fire in Bradford have paid a heartbreaking tribute as police clarify more details to address circulating rumours.

Bryonie Gawith, 29, known to loved ones as B, died in the house fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning while her three children, Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, 22-month-old Aubree were rushed to hospital but died of their injuries. A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

A statement was released by the family on Thursday night through West Yorkshire Police, as they paid tribute to ” the life and soul of the party” and her three children who they said were “her whole life”. The children were referred to by their nicknames Chuch (Denisty), Oggy (Oscar) and Strawberry (Aubree).

Meanwhile the children’s father Jonathan Birtle released a statement saying he was “absolutely distraught” at the loss. Police have clarified that the man arrested was the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family.

In a statement, the family said: “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 (Denisty), Oggy (Oscar) and Strawberry (Aubree). 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. 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.” In a poignant message tied to a lamppost outside the family home, Bryonie’s mum wrote: “Bryonie, my beautiful baby daughter. I will love and miss you forever. Love mum.”

The children’s father Jonathan in a statement said: “I am absolutely distraught at the sudden loss of my fiancee, 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.”

Addressing rumours circulating online, West Yorkshire Police said uniformed officers had visited the address last month due to an “unrelated matter” and confirmed it would not be making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Mirror