A COMMUNITY has been left devastated after the deaths of a woman and her three children in a house fire in Bradford - with detectives launching a murder investigation.
Officers were called at 2.07am on Wednesday by the fire service to reports of a house blaze at a property on Westbury Road, off Cooper Lane, in the BD6 area of the city.
A 29-year-old woman was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Three children - two girls aged nine and one, and a five-year-old boy - were taken to hospital.
Sadly, all three died from the injuries they suffered in the fire.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries.
West Yorkshire Police believes the incident is domestic-related.
The force named the 29-year-old woman who died as Bryonie Gawith.
The children were identified as Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months.
The community has been left devastated by the incident.
A floral tribute saying "have fun in heaven, we will miss you" has been left at the scene.
Another bunch said: "I love you all, all this world and more.
"I will miss you forever.
"Miss you my beautiful angels."
Lindsey Pearson, who lives around the corner from the house with her daughter and son-in-law, described the "upset" over the incident.
She said: "We looked out of the window and just saw a big flame.
"The sky was just lit up.
"It was like thunder and lightning."
Ms Pearson said she left the house with her son-in-law and was met with police.
"They were saying there's people inside, it's a house fire," she said.
"They wouldn't let us through, which you can understand but we just wanted to help.
"It's absolutely terrible.
"Everybody was just so upset."
A woman, who lives on Westbury Road, added: "I heard the sirens and looked out my window.
"I could see the flames coming out of the front door of the house."
She said neighbours had tried to help.
"It's a massive shock to the street. It's normally a quiet street," she added.
Bradford South MP Judith Cummins told the Telegraph & Argus: "The news of this fatal house fire is a tragedy beyond words.
"The deaths of this young woman and three little children is utterly heart-breaking.
"I am in regular contact with West Yorkshire Police as they remain on scene, and I understand that an arrest has been made.
"Enquiries are ongoing, and I encourage anyone with information to get in touch with West Yorkshire Police.
"My thoughts are firmly with the family, friends and loved ones of those who died."
Councillor Alex Mitchell, who represents Queensbury on Bradford Council, said: "This is a horrific event which has resulted in the tragic loss of lives.
"My thoughts are with the family, friends and local community of the woman and three young children and I hope that their privacy will be respected as they process their shock and grief."
Cllr Hazel Johnson, who also represents Queensbury on Bradford Council, added: "The loss is absolutely devastating.
"People in our community are reeling from the news.
"My heartfelt condolences are with the family and those affected."
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: "The deaths of Bryonie Gawith and children Denisty, Oscar and Aubree Birtle following a house fire in Bradford are heart-breaking.
"My thoughts, and those of everyone across West Yorkshire, are with their family, friends, loved ones and the wider community.
"As enquiries are ongoing, I would encourage anyone with information to contact West Yorkshire Police."
At the scene of the tragedy this afternoon, Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater, of Bradford district police, said: "Shortly after 2am this morning, officers were called to a report of a house fire on Westbury Road in Bradford.
"On officers' arrival, it was confirmed that a 29-year-old woman named Bryonie Gawith had died at the scene.
"Her three children, nine-year-old Denisty Birtle, five-year-old Oscar Birtle and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle, were taken to hospital where sadly all three died from their injuries.
"Detectives from our Homicide and Major Enquiry Team have launched a murder investigation into the fire.
"While enquiries are in their early stages, we believe that this incident was domestic-related.
"A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in a critical condition in hospital.
"Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and my neighbourhood officers are in the area carrying out reassurance patrols.
"I would appeal to anyone who was in the Westbury Road area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.
"Anyone with information that could help our investigation, I would urge you to contact us via 101, quoting log 107 of August 21.
"Information can always be given anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity.
"Our thoughts are with the family, their friends and the wider community at this sad time."
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