The family of a woman and her three children who were killed in a house fire in Bradford have spoken of their “profound loss”.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, died along with Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and 22-month-old Aubree after a fire at their home at about 2am on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Thursday, Gawith’s family said they were “still trying to comprehend what has happened”.
“No words can describe how we are feeling and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now faced with,” they said. “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.”
Jonathan Birtle, the children’s father, said: “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.”
Gawith was estranged from Birtle, with the 34-year-old on remand in custody after being charged with strangling the mother-of-three and stealing her phone at her home on 27 July.
The 34-year-old has previously indicated that he would plead not guilty to the offences. He is next due to appear in court on Tuesday.
Birtle is not being treated as a suspect in the house fire.
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 the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family.
The force said it had visited the address last month over an unrelated matter and would not be making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Supt Lucy Leadbeater of West Yorkshire police said earlier: “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 inquiries 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 inquiries are at an early stage, we do at this time believe the incident is domestic related.
“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.”
Flowers and teddy bears were left at one end of the police cordon on Wednesday afternoon.
One bouquet read: “Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.” Another said: “RIP to my beautiful auntie and baby cousins. I love you all, all this world and more. I will forever miss you my beautiful angels.”
A third set of flowers read: “I can’t put into words how heartbroken I am! My best friend, my sister! I will never forget how much love, laughter, happiness you brought to my life. My three beautiful babies will never forget you.”
Neighbours described how they rushed into the street when they were woken by the “intense” smell of smoke and sound of sirens.
Lindsay Pearson, 56, said her daughter had heard shouting coming from the direction of the property at about 1.45am, shortly before they saw “a big flame – like the sky was all lit up”. She added: “It was like thunder and lightning, like you see in a thunderstorm.”
