Westbury Road: Murder arrest after four die in Bradford fire

An aerial view of the fire-damaged house

BBC View of the house involved — An aerial view of the fire-damaged house

Police have named the mother and three children who died following a house fire in Bradford in the early hours of the morning.

Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her daughter Denisty Birtle, nine, son Oscar Birtle, five, and daughter Aubree Birtle, 22 months, died after the incident on Westbury Road.

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and had been taken to hospital with critical injuries.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed the family's names at a news conference at the scene on Wednesday afternoon and also stated that they believed the incident was "domestic" in nature.

Westbury Road in Bradford has been cordoned off following the fire

PA Media Two police officers stand next to a police car alongside police tape cordoning off Westbury Road in Bradford, with houses bordering the street in the background, on 21 August — Westbury Road in Bradford has been cordoned off following the fire

Det Ch Insp Stacey Atkinson, from West Yorkshire Police, said: “This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives.

"Our thoughts remain with their family, friends and loved ones.

"Whilst enquiries are in their early stages, we believe that the fire was started deliberately, and that this incident was domestic related.

“Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and my neighbourhood officers are in the area carrying out reassurance patrols."

She added: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the Westbury Road area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward."

Neighbour Lynsey Pearson said she had "just wanted to help" once she learned of the fire

Neighbour Lynsey Pearson against the backdrop of her house in Bradford — Neighbour Lynsey Pearson said she had "just wanted to help" once she learned of the fire

Lyndsey Pearson, who lives near the scene, said people in the community had been left "devastated" by what had happened.

Ms Pearson said she was alerted to the blaze in the early hours of the morning by blue flashing lights, while her daughter had said she could smell smoke.

Speaking to the BBC, she said: "At first we thought it was a car on fire. We came out, but [the emergency services] wouldn't let us past.

"They said it was a house fire and there were people inside. We could hear shouting.

"I just feel sick. It's horrible. I just wanted to help, but what can you do? I've got grandchildren myself, so you think about them."

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