Tributes paid to 'beautiful' family killed in Bradford 'arson attack' as man arrested on suspicion of murder
23 August 2024, 08:50 | Updated: 23 August 2024, 09:04
Tributes have been to a 'beautiful' mother and her three children who were killed in a suspected arson attack on their home in Bradford.
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Bryonie Gawith, 29, died at the scene and her three children, Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, died from their injuries in hospital.
The victims' devastated family have now paid tribute to the mother and children, calling Bryonie a 'joyful, bubbly, beautiful woman" who was always "the life and soul of the party".
"Music was a big part of her life," the tribute read. "She loved music, singing and dancing, she would always be singing and dancing with Chuch, Oggy and Strawberry [the children].
"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.
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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 also ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family, police said.
The tribute continued: "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.
"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."
The children's father, Jonathan, also released a statement which read: "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."
Addressing rumours circulating online, West Yorkshire Police said uniformed officers had visited the address last month due to an "unrelated matter" and confirmed it would not be making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 107 of August 21, or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity.
