House fire which killed woman and three children was ‘started deliberately’
A house fire in Bradford which left three children and one woman dead may have been ‘started deliberately’, investigators have said.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, and children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, were killed in the blaze in the early hours of this morning.
Floral tributes have been laid out for the four of them following the devastating house fire and a card was left at the scene.
The heartbreaking note read: ‘To Bryony [sic], Denisty [sic], Oscar + Aubree. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.’
West Yorkshire Police were called to the fire on Westbury Road, Bradford, at 2.07am this morning.
A man, 39, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
A woman who lives nearby told the Telegraph & Argus: ‘There was really thick smoke coming up the 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.’
Another local resident reported hearing what sounded like a panic alarm during the time of the fire and then saw blue lights flashing.
Many in the area have described what has happened as ‘awful’ and horrendous’.
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.
‘Early enquiries show that the fire was started deliberately, and we have arrested one man on suspicion of murder. He is seriously ill in hospital today as a result of injuries caused by the fire.
‘While our enquiries are at an early stage, we do at this time believe the incident is domestic related.
‘We are appealing anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.
‘Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and we are working with local neighbourhood officers to carry out enquiries and provide reassurance in the area.’
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