The father and fiance of three children and their mother killed in a "deliberate" fire says he would " take their place in a heartbeat" as police reveal more details of the man arrested on suspicion of their murder. West Yorkshire Police have clarified that the 39-year-old man - who remains in a critical condition in hospital following the devastating fire in Westbury Road, Bradford - was the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family at the time. The young family were killed in a fire which ripped through the home at 2am on August 21 .
Bryonie Gawith, 29, was declared dead at the scene while her children Denisty-mai Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five and baby Aubree Birtle 22 months died in hospital. Read more: Man tries to kidnap three girls off the street - then police make a chilling discovery in his car Tonight, their father, Jonathan Birtle, who was engaged to Bryonie - known to loved ones as B - has paid moving tribute, alongside other heartbroken members of her family. In a statement released this evening by police, he said: "I am 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.