“I Would Take Their Place in a Heartbeat”: Dad of kids killed in house fire’s heartbreak as suspect confirmed as ex of woman visiting family

The father and fiancé of three children and their mother who were tragically killed in what police describe as a “deliberate” fire has expressed his profound grief, saying he would “take their place in a heartbeat.” As West Yorkshire Police provide more details about the man arrested on suspicion of their murder, the pain and loss felt by the family becomes even more apparent.

West Yorkshire Police have identified the suspect as a 39-year-old man, who remains in critical condition at the hospital. They clarified that the man, who was arrested at the scene, was the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family at the time of the fire.

The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of August 21 on Westbury Road, Bradford, where a fire tore through the family’s home. Bryonie Gawith, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her children—nine-year-old Denisty-mai Birtle, five-year-old Oscar Birtle, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle—died later in the hospital, told The Guardian.

Jonathan Birtle, the father of the children and fiancé of Bryonie, released an emotional statement through the police. “I am absolutely distraught at the sudden loss of my fiancée, Bryonie, and our three beautiful children,” he said. “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 Density. 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.”

Bryonie’s family also shared their grief, remembering her as a “joyful, bubbly, beautiful” woman who was deeply devoted to her children. “Our B was the life and soul of the party, music was a big part of her life,” they said. “She loved music, singing, and dancing, and would always be singing and dancing with her children—whom she affectionately called Chuch, Oggy, and Strawberry.”

The family described each child with deep affection: “Oggy had the cheekiest smile, he was cheeky but shy. Strawbs was bashful with big blue eyes and blonde hair. Chuch was a beautiful, confident, outgoing, and creative young girl.”

As the family struggles to cope with their profound loss, they have requested privacy to grieve. “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 expressed, adding their gratitude for the support they’ve received from the community.

Addressing the speculation circulating online, West Yorkshire Police confirmed that the fire was intentionally set. “A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. This man is the ex-partner of a woman who was visiting the family. He remains in hospital in a critical condition,” a police spokesperson stated.

The police also clarified that they had visited the home the previous month for an unrelated matter and that no referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct would be made. As investigations continue, specialist officers are providing support to the grieving family, including Jonathan Birtle. The police have urged the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time and to avoid speculation that could cause further distress.