Tributes paid to 'beautiful' family killed in Bradford 'arson attack' as man arrested on suspicion of murder

23 August 2024, 08:50 | Updated: 23 August 2024, 09:04

Bryony Gawith and her children died in the fire
Bryony Gawith and her children died in the fire. Picture: Social media

By Danielle de Wolfe

Tributes have been to a 'beautiful' mother and her three children who were killed in a suspected arson attack on their home in Bradford.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Bryonie Gawith, 29, died at the scene and her three children, Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, died from their injuries in hospital.

The victims' devastated family have now paid tribute to the mother and children, calling Bryonie a 'joyful, bubbly, beautiful woman" who was always "the life and soul of the party".

"Music was a big part of her life," the tribute read. "She loved music, singing and dancing, she would always be singing and dancing with Chuch, Oggy and Strawberry [the children].

"B was always a really happy, joyful, bubbly beautiful woman, who cared for everyone and was loved by everyone, her kids were everything to her, her whole life.

Denisty, Oscar and Aubree Birtle
Denisty, Oscar and Aubree Birtle. Picture: Handout

Read More: Manchester triple stabbing suspect sectioned, as one woman dead and two other victims seriously injured

Read More: Hunt for American bulldogs on the loose after man found dead in back garden near Birmingham

West Yorkshire Police said the incident on Wednesday is believed to be "domestic related" and confirmed a 39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is in a critical condition in hospital.

He is also ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family, police said.

The tribute continued: "Oggy had the cheekiest smile, he was cheeky but he was a shy boy, Strawbs was shy and bashful with big blue eyes and blonde hair and Chuch was a beautiful, confident, outgoing and creative young girl.

"We are still trying to comprehend what has happened to our beautiful family. No words can describe how we are feeling and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now faced with.

"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 so we can try to come to terms with the unimaginable sadness and grief of this tragic loss of our beautiful family.

"Also our thoughts and support for the father of our three babies. Please allow him peace to grieve and come to terms with the loss of his family."

House fire in Bradford kills a woman and three children
House fire in Bradford kills a woman and three children. Picture: Getty

The children's father, Jonathan, also released a statement which read: "I am absolutely distraught at the sudden loss of my fiancee, Bryonie and our three beautiful children.

"Bryonie and I were together for a long time, and we had a good life together. "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 in a heartbeat. I cannot imagine life without them.

"They will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart."

Addressing rumours circulating online, West Yorkshire Police said uniformed officers had visited the address last month due to an "unrelated matter" and confirmed it would not be making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 107 of August 21, or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper takes part in the Call the Cabinet phone-in during LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast show.

'Why won't you say the word?': Home secretary refuses to confirm inquiry into murder of Sir David Amess

Exclusive
Aspiring cyber professionals will be given the chance to enter a fast-track stream to become 'cyber warriors' within a month.

Fast-track to £40k: Military recruits ‘cyber warriors’ with just one-month training and highest salary in the armed forces

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper takes part in the Call the Cabinet phone

Government plans new police powers to tackle rising phone thefts, Home Secretary tells LBC

Davina McCall wrote letters to her children before undergoing surgery.

Davina McCall reveals heartbreaking plans she made for her children before brain tumour surgery

Matt Jukes said the UK could not afford to delay taking serious action on the negative impacts of social media.

Dangers of social media for children 'like cancer risk of smoking', says counter-terrorism chief

Ebony McIntosh passed away aged 24.

Tributes pour in for beloved Brit travel influencer who died suddenly on 'dream' trip to Sri Lanka

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden wants to create a more "agile and modern" state

Top civil servants could face the sack if they do not deliver savings for the taxpayer

Exclusive
Shocking figures obtained by LBC show that 2790 women were caught carrying knives in 2023/24, up from fewer than 900 in 2014.

Number of women caught carrying knives trebles in a decade

L-R: Dafydd Huw Craven-Jones, 18, Sophie Bates, 17, Morgan Jones, 17.

Three teens died after new driver 'lost control of car and crashed into tree'

Kemi Badenoch has urged the Government to make it harder for immigrants to secure permanent residency or a UK passport.

Tories pledge to kick out low-paid and unemployed migrants from UK

Exclusive
Beware of Phone Snatchers warning by Metropolitan Police stencilled on London pavement

Police will get extra powers to speed up search warrants in clampdown on soaring mobile phone thefts

Harvey Willgoose died in the attack at All Saints Catholic High School

Mum of Sheffield school stabbing victim Harvey Willgoose reveals heartbreaking final words

Liam Payne and girlfriend Kate Cassidy attending the premiere of All Of Those Voices at Cineworld in London.

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy reveals reason she left star in Argentina

Police refuse to return stolen phone to owner because thief 'used it' and device now contained his private information

Police refuse to return stolen phone to owner because thief 'used it' and device now contained his private information

Grenfell Tower where at least 72 people died after a fire broke out on June 14th 2017 in North Kensington with the slogan 'Forever in our Hearts'.

Grenfell Tower to finally be demolished eight years after fire claimed lives of 72 people

The order is titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” Trump said.

'The war on women's sport is over': Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from competing