Bradford House fire: A Mother And Three Children Identified

The three children and a woman who were killed in a suspected arson attack in Bradford in the early hours of Wednesday, 21st of August, 2024 have been identified.

They have been revealed to be Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her daughter Denisty Birtle, nine, son Oscar Birtle, five, and daughter Aubree Birtle, 22 months.

According to BBC, 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.

Detective chief inspector Stacey Atkinson 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.”

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.”