PRAYERS were said, candles were lit and tributes were paid to a mother and her three children who died 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 in the early hours of yesterday.

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

Tonight, people came together at St John the Evangelist on Cooper Lane for a prayer service.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus before the service, Father Paul Grogan said: "We said some prayers yesterday after we heard about the tragedy and this morning we thought we should do something more and make our church available to people to come to remember Bryonie and her three children. 

"What happened was so horrific - but we're all going to look after each other at this tragic time.

"A lot of people are asking the question 'how could this happen?' and struggling to comprehend the truly terrible events.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected at this very upsetting time."

Abigail Brooksbank, right, paid tribute to her friend Bryonie Gawith, who died in a house fire on Westbury Road, Bradford Abigail Brooksbank, right, pictured with Bryonie Gawith, who was her dear friend (Image: UGC)

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins attended the service.

She said: "My heart goes out to the whole community, especially Bryonie's family and friends.

"Trying to come to terms with all this will be very difficult for all of us.

"What happened is beyond comprehension."

Michelle Beaumont, who attended the service, said she lived on the same street as Bryonie.

"She was a lovely woman," she added.

"Her kids were lovely too.

"We thought it was important to come here tonight to show our respects and remember those who have sadly died.

"It's truly awful, it really is, but the community is pulling together."

Another woman - who asked not to be named - said she grew up with Bryonie.

"She was like a family member to me - I adored her," she added.

"She was the best person.

"She was very outgoing and bubbly - she was always smiling and happy.

"I - and so many other people - miss her and those beautiful children so much."

West Yorkshire Police believe the incident was "domestic" in nature.

Officers have appealed for anyone who was in the Westbury Road area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to get in touch.