Relatives of Bryonie Gawith and her son and two kids claim they are’still trying to comprehend what has occurred’
A woman and her three children were died in a house fire in Bradford, and their family has talked of their “profound loss”.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, perished together with Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and 22-month-old Aubree after a fire at their house about 2 a.m. on Wednesday.
Gawith’s family said in a statement posted on Thursday that they are “still trying to comprehend what has happened”.
“No words can describe how we are feeling and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now faced with,” they told me. “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.”
Jonathan Birtle, the children’s father, stated, “I loved them with all my heart, and if given the opportunity, I would take their place in a heartbeat.”
“I can’t imagine living without them. They will not be forgotten and will always be in my heart.”
Gawith was estranged from Birtle, with the 34-year-old on remand in custody after being charged with strangling the mother-of-three and stealing her phone at her home.
The 34-year-old has previously stated that he will plead not guilty to the charges. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Birtle is not being investigated as a suspect in the house fire.
West Yorkshire police said the incident on Wednesday was “domestic related” and that a 39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is in critical condition in hospital.
He is the former partner of a woman who was visiting the family.
The force stated that it had visited the residence last month for an unrelated concern and would not be referring the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Supt Lucy Leadbeater of West Yorkshire Police said earlier: “This is an incredibly sad tragedy in which three children and a woman have died. Our thoughts are still with their family, friends, and loved ones.
“Early investigations indicate that the fire was deliberately lit, and we have arrested one man on suspicion of murder. He is very unwell in the hospital today as a result of injuries sustained in the fire.
“While our investigations are still in the early stages, we believe the incidence is domestic.
“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.”
Flowers and Teddy bears were left at one end of the police cordon on Wednesday afternoon.
One bouquet said, “Have fun in heaven.” “We’ll miss you.” Another wrote, “RIP to my wonderful auntie and newborn cousins. I adore you all, this globe and beyond. “I will always miss you, my beautiful angels.”
A third bunch of flowers said, “I can’t put into words how heartbroken I am!” My best friend is my sister! I’ll never forget how much love, fun, and pleasure you brought into my life. My three lovely babies will never forget you.”
Neighbours recalled how they hurried into the street after being awakened by the “intense” smell of smoke and the sound of sirens.
Lindsay Pearson, 56, said her daughter heard shouting coming from the area of the property at 1.45am, shortly before they spotted “a big flame – like the sky was all lit up”. She added: “It was like thunder and lightning, like you see in a thunderstorm.”
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