Tributes to 'joyful' mum and children killed in fire

Tributes have been paid to a "happy, joyful, bubbly beautiful woman" who died with her three children in a house fire in Bradford.

Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her daughter Denisty Birtle, nine, son Oscar Birtle, five, and daughter Aubree Birtle, 22 months, died in the blaze on Westbury Road, Bradford, on Wednesday.

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder remains in hospital with critical injuries.

Police have confirmed he was the ex-partner of a woman who had been visiting the family.

West Yorkshire Police said it was keen to address speculation surrounding the fire.

The force had earlier said officers believed the incident was "deliberate" and "domestic" in nature.

A spokesperson said the man arrested at the scene of the fire was the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family.

"Uniformed officers had visited the address last month due to an unrelated matter. Therefore, we will not be making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct," they added.

The force has said specialist officers continued to support the family who are "understandably devastated at their loss" and has asked for the family's privacy to be respected.

The force also released two statements from Ms Gawith's partner and family.

The children's father, Jonathan, has also released a statement saying he was "absolutely distraught at the sudden loss of my fiancée, 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.”

The family said Ms Gawith, also known as B, had been the "life and soul of the party".

The statement also said: "Music was a big part of her life, she loved music, singing and dancing, she would always be singing and dancing with Chuch, Oggy and Strawberry.

"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."

The family said they were still trying to comprehend what had happened to their "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."

They also asked for privacy so they can try and come to terms with the "unimaginable sadness and grief of this tragic loss".

The statement added: "We are overwhelmed and grateful for all the support and kind words we are receiving...also for the 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."

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