Two men aged 36 and 45 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a mother and her three children were killed in a house fire.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, died at the scene while her children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, died in hospital after the horror blaze in Bradford on August 21.
It comes as a 39-year-old man, who was arrested at the scene on Wednesday morning, on suspicion of murder remains in hospital in a critical condition.
The man was an ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family, West Yorkshire police confirmed yesterday.
Shocking footage shows flames billowing out of the house on Westbury Road as by-standers watch on in horror.
Bryonie Gawith, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her two daughters, nine-year-old Denisty and 22-month-old Aubree, and her son Oscar Birtle, five, later died in hospital
A children’s car seat can be seen lying amongst soot and burnt wooden panels on the grass
Tributes were paid to victims (left to right) Oscar, Aubree and Denisty Birtle
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson from West Yorkshire Police said: ‘Extensive inquiries remain ongoing today in what is very much a live and active investigation.
‘Specialist officers are continuing to support the family. They are understandably devastated at their loss, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.
‘We are continuing to appeal for any information in relation to the fire, and keen to speak to anyone who might have any information to come forward.’
Tributes have been paid to the four victims with their devastated family describing Bryonie as a ‘joyful, bubbly, beautiful woman’.
One person wrote: ‘Our B was the life and soul of the party, music was a big part of her life, she loved music, singing and dancing, she would always be singing and dancing with Chuch, Oggy and Strawberry [the children].’
Emergency services were called to the property just after 2am on Wednesday with several fire crews attending the blaze.
A fire engines at the scene of the horror blaze in Bradford on Wednesday morning
Police and firefighters on the scene of the fire at a property in Westbury Road, Bradford
Forensic officers seal off the scene of the fire as they carry out an investigation
Aerial photos have shown the scene following the blaze in the early hours of Wednesday
Neighbours reported hearing screams coming from the house and the smell of burning rubber.
One neighbour, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: ‘Flames and smoke were coming out of house. We were shocked.
‘There was really thick smoke coming up the street. It filled the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming.
‘You could hear screaming. I was scared to go up there to see because you don’t know what’s happening. It’s a massive thing that’s gone on. It’s scary.’
‘My husband went up the street to see if he could help. He could see it was a house fire as there were flames and smoke coming out of it. The fire was blazing.
‘But firefighters and police told him to stand back and not put himself in danger. There were other residents trying to help too. He said he’d seen two firefighters run into the home.’
Another local resident, who did not want to be named, said: ‘There was a large police presence. I believe at least 15 police vehicles were there.
‘I also saw about six ambulances and at least four or five fire engines. I think it could have been a serious house fire.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police, said: ‘This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives’
A police cordon was put in place at the scene as investigations continue
Emergency services at the scene of the house fire on Westbury Road, Bradford
‘We live down the street and we’re near the scene. It’s still all blocked off this morning.’
A further resident said: ‘It woke me up. I heard the sirens at 2am or 3am in the morning.
‘Smoke was billowing out of the house. I knew something had happened and it was not good. There was a bad smell. It smelled like burned rubber.’
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is asked to contact police via 101 or use the live chat facility https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat quoting log 107 of 21 August.
Information can also be given anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.