Four people who died in a house fire in Bradford have been named by police, as a man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in a critical condition.
West Yorkshire Police on Wednesday named the victims as 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and her children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five and Aubree Birtle, 22 months.
The children were rushed to hospital after a fire broke out at a property on Westbury Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
All four later died from injuries sustained in the fire, West Yorkshire Police said.
Police believe the incident was domestic-related.
Officers were called at 2.07am on Wednesday by the fire service to reports of the house fire.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Lindsey Pearson, who lives around the corner from the house, said: "I saw blue flashing lights, which were just continuous, and thought 'something's not right'."
Ms Pearson said her daughter and son-in-law, who live with her, said their room was filled with the smell of smoke.
She said: "We looked out of the window and just saw a big flame. The sky was just lit up. It was like thunder and lightning."
Ms Pearson, who has lived in the area for 14 years, said: "We thought it was the care home at the top of the road, because that's where we work, and thought 'we need to go, we need to go'."
Ms Pearson said she left the house with her son-in-law and was met with police.
"They were saying there's people inside, it's a house fire. And they wouldn't let us through, which you can understand but we just wanted to help. It's absolutely terrible. Everybody was just so upset."
Ms Pearson said her daughter heard shouting and screaming coming from the direction of the house at about 1.45pm.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson from West Yorkshire Police said: “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 as a result of injuries caused by the fire. “While our enquiries are at an early stage, we do at this time believe the incident is domestic related.
“We are appealing anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.”
She added: “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.”
