Authorities have detained two individuals on suspicion of murder in connection with a ‘premeditated’ residential blaze that claimed the lives of a mother and her four children in Bradford.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three children — Denisty Birtle, aged nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle — tragically lost their lives in the inferno on Wednesday.
As announced by police today, two men, aged 36 and 45, have been taken into custody.
Additionally, a 39-year-old man, who was detained at the incident site on murder charges, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, the Senior Investigating Officer from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, remarked: ‘Comprehensive investigations are still underway in what is a very active case.
‘Specialized officers continue to provide support to the family, who are understandably heartbroken by their loss, and we kindly request that their privacy be honored.’
‘We continue to seek any information regarding the fire and are eager to speak with anyone who might have relevant details.’
The fire broke out at the residence on Westbury Road just prior to 2:10 a.m. Neighbors were awakened by cries as smoke engulfed the building and flowed into the street.
Bryonie, affectionately known as B, was described by her family as the ‘life and soul of the celebration.’
‘B was always a genuinely cheerful, vibrant, and beautiful woman who cared deeply for others and was cherished by all. Her children were her entire world,’ her family expressed in a heartfelt tribute.
‘Oggy wore the most mischievous smile; he was playful, albeit a shy boy, while Strawbs was bashful with striking blue eyes and blonde locks. Chuch was a stunning, self-assured, lively, and creative young girl.’
Bryonie’s fiancée and the father of her three children, Jonathan, expressed that he has been ‘utterly devastated.’
‘I loved them wholeheartedly; if given the opportunity, I would happily trade places with them. Imagining life without them is unbearable,’ he stated.
‘They will forever be in my heart and never forgotten.’
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