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 �.