Bradford house fire claims four lives, suspected arson
Police suspect arson in Bradford house fire that killed four
Investigators suggest a house fire in Bradford, which resulted in the deaths of three children and a woman, may have been intentionally set. Bryonie Gawith, 29, along with Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, perished in the blaze early today.
Floral tributes and a card have been placed at the scene. The note reads: “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 arrived at the Westbury Road fire in Bradford at 2.07am.
Authorities arrested a 39-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of murder, who is now in hospital with critical injuries. A nearby resident mentioned, “There was really thick smoke filling the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming. You could hear screaming. I was scared to go up there because you don’t know what’s happening. It’s scary.”
BREAKING NEWS
Four people including three children have died following a house fire in Bradford. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police named the victims as Gawith, 29, and Denisty, Oscar and Aubree Birtle, aged nine, five, and 22 months. pic.twitter.com/m4W72oPZOi
— Liam Riley (@WST_LB1993) August 21, 2024
Another person in the vicinity reported hearing what seemed like a panic alarm during the fire and then saw blue lights flashing. Local people have described the incident as “awful” and “horrendous.”
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson stated, “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 due to injuries from the fire. While our enquiries are at an early stage, we believe the incident is domestic related. We are appealing to 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.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Independent reports that a tragic quadruple fatality involving a mother and her three children has occurred in Bradford, with a 39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder following a suspected arson attack.(read more)
- The Independent provides an overview of the Bradford house fire, where a 29-year-old woman and three children died in a suspected arson attack, with police launching a murder investigation and a 39-year-old man arrested.(read more)
- Thurrock Gazette reports that Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three children, aged 1, 5, and 9, died in a deliberate house fire in Bradford. A 39-year-old man is in critical condition after being arrested on suspicion of murder.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What caused the house fire in Bradford?
Investigators believe the fire was started deliberately.
Who were the victims of the Bradford house fire?
Bryonie Gawith, 29, and children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months.
Was anyone arrested in connection with the Bradford house fire?
Yes, a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
How did the community react to the Bradford house fire?
The community described the incident as ‘awful’ and ‘horrendous’ and left floral tributes.
What are the police asking from the public regarding the Bradford fire?
Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.
