Bradford house fire: Woman and three children, including one-year-old baby, die in blaze as murder probe launched
West Yorkshire Police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following the blaze (file photo)
PA
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a "devastating" house fire in Bradford which killed four people.
Emergency services had descended on a property in the city's Westbury Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning - and the fire service alerted police to the nature of the blaze just after 2am.
West Yorkshire Police said a 29-year-old woman was "tragically" pronounced dead at the scene, while three children - two girls aged nine and one, and a five-year-old boy - died after being taken to hospital.
A 39-year-old man was arrested on Westbury Road on suspicion of murder and was also taken to hospital with critical injuries, police said.
In an update just after 4pm today, West Yorkshire Police named the four people who died as 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five and Aubree Birtle, 22 months.
Emergency services had descended on a property in the city's Westbury Road
One woman who lives on Westbury Road told the Telegraph and Argus: "There was really thick smoke coming up the the street. It filled the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming.
While another resident told the paper: "It woke me up. I heard the sirens at 2am or 3am.
"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."
One more said: "It's a terrible thing to happen. It's just awful and horrendous."
MORE FROM BRADFORD AND WEST YORKSHIRE:
West Yorkshire Police named the four people who died as 29-year-old Bryonie Gawith and children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five and Aubree Birtle, 22 months
Children Denisty, nine, Oscar, five and Aubree Birtle, 22 months
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson from West Yorkshire Police's homicide and major enquiry team said: "This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives. Our thoughts remain with their family, friends and loved ones.
"Early enquiries show that the fire was started deliberately, and we have arrested one man on suspicion of murder. He is seriously ill in hospital today as a result of injuries caused by the fire.
"While our enquiries are at an early stage, we do at this time believe the incident is domestic-related.
"We are appealing anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward."
Police believe the incident is "domestic-related" (file photo)
PA
Atkinson added: "Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and we are working with local neighbourhood officers to carry out enquiries and provide reassurance in the area."
The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service told GB News it sent five crews - two from Bradford, and one each from Fairweather Green, Illingworth and Shipley - to the property.
The fire service confirmed all its crews had since left the scene.
Police have urged any members of the public "who witnessed anything suspicious" to contact officers on 101 or use the force's live chat facility quoting log 107 of August 21.
You may like
