Two men arrested over ‘deliberate’ house fire that killed mum & three children aged one, 5 and 9
COPS investigating a house fire in which four people died in Bradford have made further arrests.
Overnight, a number of warrants were executed in the Keighley area in relation to the murder investigation on Westbury Road on August 21.
Bryonie Gawith aged 29, and her three children – Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and 22-month-old, Aubree Birtle – died after their home was deliberately set alight in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Two men aged 36 and 45 years old were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody at this time.
Scenes remain in place for searches at a number of addresses on Carlby Grove, Carlton Street, Malsis Road and Minnie Street.
A 39 year old man who was arrested at the scene on Wednesday on suspicion of murder remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry team said:
“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing today in what is very much a live and active investigation.
“Specialist officers are continuing to support the family. They are understandably devastated at their loss, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.
“We are continuing to appeal for any information in relation to the fire, and keen to speak to anyone who might have any information to come forward.”
Floral tributes were left at the scene of the fire in Bradford, West Yorks., after the fire tore through the three-bed semi in the early hours.
A heartbreaking note on a card left at the scene read: “To Bryony [sic], Denisty [sic], Oscar + Aubree.
“Thinking of you at this difficult time. Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.”
Police confirmed that Bryonie died at the scene of the blaze while the three children passed away in hospital.
An initial investigation showed the fire in Bradford was deliberately set and is believed to be a domestic-related crime, police said.
Heartbreaking photos showed the toys of the children and damaged furniture strewn across the back garden.
Charred out windows and doors also revealed a scene of devastation following the blaze at the semi-detached property.
Neighbours on Westbury Road reported hearing “screams” coming from the home after around five fire engines and a dozen ambulances arrived just after 2am.
Others saw smoke “billowing out of the house” and smelled “burned rubber” as the property went up in flames.
One neighbour, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “‘Flames and smoke were coming out of house. We were shocked.
“There was really thick smoke coming up the street. It filled the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming.
“You could hear screaming. I was scared to go up there to see because you don’t know what’s happening. It’s a massive thing that’s gone on. It’s scary.”
There was really thick smoke coming up the street. It filled the whole area. It was overwhelming”
Anonymous neighbour
“My husband went up the street to see if he could help. He could see it was a house fire as there were flames and smoke coming out of it. The fire was blazing.
“But firefighters and police told him to stand back and not put himself in danger. There were other residents trying to help too.”
Another local resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “There was a large police presence. I believe at least 15 police vehicles were there.
“I also saw about six ambulances and at least four or five fire engines.”
A further resident said: “It woke me up. I heard the sirens at 2am or 3am in the morning.
“Smoke was billowing out of the house. I knew something had happened and it was not good. There was a bad smell. It smelled like burned rubber.”