The family of a woman and her three children who died in a house fire in Bradford spoke of their “deep loss”.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, died along with Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and 22-month-old Aubree in a fire at their home around 2am on Wednesday.
In a statement released Thursday, Gawith’s family said they were “still trying to understand what happened.”
“No words can describe how we feel and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now suffering,” they said. “We are overwhelmed and grateful for all the support and kind words we are receiving, but we ask as a family that we are given the respect and privacy to try and deal with the unimaginable grief and sorrow of this tragic loss of our wonderful family.”
Jonathan Birtle, the children’s father, said: “I loved her with all my heart and if I had the chance I would take her place in a heartbeat.
“I can’t imagine life without them. They will never be forgotten and will always remain in my heart.”
Gawith was estranged from Birtle and the 34-year-old is in custody after being accused of strangling the mother of three at home on July 27 and stealing her phone.
The 34-year-old had previously indicated that he would not plead guilty to the crimes. His next court date is scheduled for Tuesday.
Birtle is not being treated as a suspect in connection with the house fire.
West Yorkshire Police said Wednesday’s incident was believed to be a “domestic incident” and confirmed that a 39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was in a critical condition in hospital.
He is the ex-partner of a woman who visited the family.
Police said they visited the address last month on another matter and would not refer the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater of West Yorkshire Police said earlier: “This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and loved ones.”
“Initial investigations have shown that the fire was deliberately set and we have arrested a man on suspicion of murder. He is seriously ill in hospital today due to injuries sustained in the fire.
“Although our investigation is still at an early stage, we believe at this point that this is a domestic incident.
“We are asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.”
On Wednesday afternoon, flowers and teddy bears were left at one end of the police cordon.
One bouquet read: “Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.” Another read: “Rest in peace my beautiful aunt and little cousins. I love you all, the whole world and more. I will miss you forever, my beautiful angels.”
A third bouquet read: “I cannot express how heartbroken I am! My best friend, my sister! I will never forget how much love, laughter and happiness you brought into my life. My three beautiful babies will never forget you.”
Neighbors described rushing out into the street when they were awakened by the “intense” smell of smoke and the sound of sirens.
Lindsay Pearson, 56, said her daughter heard screams coming from the direction of the property at around 1:45 a.m., just before they saw “a big flame – like the sky was all lit up.” She added: “It was like thunder and lightning, like you see in a thunderstorm.”
