Bradford house fire: Man, aged 36, 45 arrested for murder after ‘step’ mother and her children aged nine, five and 22 months killed in blaze

Two men aged 36 and 45 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a mother and her three children were killed in a house fire.

Bryonie Gawith, 29, died at the scene while her children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, died in hospital after the horrific blaze in Bradford.

A 39-year-old man, arrested at the scene on Wednesday morning on suspicion of murder, remains in hospital in critical condition.

The man was the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting family, West Yorkshire Police confirmed yesterday.

Tributes have been paid to all four victims and their devastated family have described Bryonie as a “happy, bubbly and beautiful woman”.

Bryonie Gawith, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her two daughters, Denisty, nine, and Aubree, 22 months, and son Oscar Birtle, five, died later in hospital.

A child’s car seat can be seen lying on the grass among the soot and burnt wooden panels.

Tributes were paid to victims (left to right) Oscar, Aubree and Denisty Birtle

Chief Inspector and Investigating Officer Stacey Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police said: “Extensive enquiries remain ongoing today in what is largely a live and active investigation.

“Specialist officers continue to support the family. They are understandably devastated by this loss and we ask that their privacy is respected.

“We continue to appeal for any information relating to the fire and would like to speak to anyone who may have information.”

This is a breaking news story – more information to follow