A MAN arrested on suspicion of murder after a mother and her three children died in a house fire was the woman’s ex-partner who was visiting the family, cops have said.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, Denisty-mai Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five and one-year-old Aubree Birtle were named as the four victims of the blaze in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
West Yorkshire Police said: “Due to speculation online surrounding the fire, we are keen to address some of the rumours.
“A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
“This man is the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family. He remains in hospital in a critical condition.”
Jonathan, the children’s dad, expressed his “absolutely distraught” state following the “sudden loss.”
Uniformed cops went to the address last month for an unrelated reason, authorities said.
The family, including Bryonie’s partner Jonathan, continues to get support from specialist officers.
The force said: “They are understandably devastated at their loss and we ask that their privacy is respected.”
Earlier, police stated that they believed the fire was intentionally lit and was “domestic related”.
In a statement released by the force, the family said the loss of “our B” and the children, known as “Chuch, Oggy, and Strawberry,” had caused “unimaginable sadness and grief.”
The tribute read: “Our B was the life and soul of the party, music was a big part of her life, she loved music, singing and dancing, she would always be singing and dancing with Chuch (Denisty), Oggy (Oscar) and Strawberry (Aubree).
“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.
“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,” the statement added.
“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.”
In his own statement, dad Jonathan said: “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.”
Floral tributes were also left at the scene of the fire in Bradford, West Yorks., after the fire tore through the three-bed semi in the early hours of Wednesday.
A heartbreaking note on a card left at the scene read: “To Bryony [sic], Denisty [sic], Oscar + Aubree.
“Thinking of you at this difficult time. Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.”
