New details emerge on man arrested over murder of three children and mother | UK

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a father has shared his agony after a ‘deliberate’ fire claimed the lives of his fiancée and their three young children, saying he would ‘take their place in a heartbeat’. West Yorkshire Police have provided updates on the man being held on suspicion of the horrific crime in a bid to clarify further details to address rumours.

The tragic incident happened in Bradford on August 21, with emergency services called to Westbury Road at around 2am. The fire killed Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her children Denisty-mai Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle.

Jonathan Birtle, the grieving father and partner, and other relatives of ‘B’, as Bryonie was affectionately known, have expressed their deep sorrow. In a poignant message released by police this evening, Jonathan said: “I am absolutely devastated by the sudden loss of my fiancée, Bryonie, and our three beautiful children. Bryonie and I were together for a long time and had a wonderful life together.”

Continuing his heartfelt tribute, he added: “She was a beautiful woman and a loving mother to Oscar, Aubree and Denisty. I loved them with all my heart and if I had the chance, I would take their place without hesitation. I can’t imagine life without them.”

Jonathan added: “They will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart,” Yorkshire Live reports.

The 39-year-old suspect, who is currently in critical condition in hospital following the devastating fire, is believed to be the ex-partner of a woman who was at the family home during the catastrophic incident.

Bryonie’s extended family remember her as a “happy, bubbly and beautiful” woman who cherished her children. They said: “Our B was the life and soul of the party, music was a big part of her life, she loved music, singing and dancing, she was always singing and dancing with Chuch, Oggy and Strawberry. B was always a very happy, happy, bubbly and beautiful woman, who cared for everyone and was loved by all, her children were everything to her, her whole life.

“Oggy had the cheekiest smile, he was cheeky but he was a shy boy, Strawbs was shy and timid with big blue eyes and blonde hair and Chuch was a beautiful young girl who was confident, outgoing and creative.

“We are still trying to come to terms with what has happened to our beautiful family. No words can describe what we are feeling and no words will ever be able to compensate for the profound loss we are facing. We are overwhelmed and grateful for all the support and kind words we are receiving, but we ask as a family if we can be given the respect and privacy we need to try to cope with the unimaginable sadness and grief of this tragic loss of our beautiful family. Our thoughts and support are also with the father of our three babies.”

In response to internet speculation about the fire, West Yorkshire Police said they wanted to “address some of the rumours”. A spokesperson said: “Bryonie Gawith and her three children Denisty, Oscar and Aubree Birtle died after their home in Westbury Road was deliberately set on fire.

“A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. The man is the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting family. He remains in hospital in a critical condition.

“Uniformed police officers attended the address last month for another reason. As a result, we will not be making a report to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Specialist officers continue to support the family, including Bryonie’s partner Jonathan. They are understandably devastated by their loss and we ask that their privacy is respected. Please be aware of the distress that speculation may cause.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information regarding the fire. Anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation is asked to contact 101 or use the live chat service. https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChatquoting newspaper 107 of 21 August. Information can also be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.