Inquest to open into deaths of woman and three children in house fire

A coroner is to open an inquest into the death of a mother and her children after a blaze at their home in West Yorkshire.

Bryonie Gawith, 29, Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle died after the fire in Westbury Road, Bradford, in the early hours of August 21.

Ms Gawith died at the scene and the three children died in hospital.

The inquest into their deaths will be opened at Bradford Coroner’s Court on Wednesday.

Last Thursday, the defendants made their first appearance at crown court.

West Yorkshire Police said four other people remain under investigation, including a 39-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in hospital in a critical condition.

In a statement issued through the force last month, the family of the victims said the loss of “our B” and the children, referred to as “Chuch, Oggy and Strawberry”, had brought “unimaginable sadness and grief”.

The tribute read: “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 (Denisty), Oggy (Oscar) and Strawberry (Aubree).

“B was always a really happy, joyful, bubbly, beautiful woman who cared for everyone and was loved by everyone. Her kids were everything to her, her whole life.

“Oggy had the cheekiest smile, he was cheeky but he was a shy boy, Strawbs was shy and bashful with big blue eyes and blonde hair, and Chuch was a beautiful, confident, outgoing and creative young girl.

Headteacher Joanne Poole said: “We serve a close community and this is devastating news that is difficult to comprehend.

“Denisty and Oscar were lovely pupils who embraced school life.

“They were happy children, full of character and had bright futures ahead of them that we tragically will not get to see.

“We talk about Home Farm being in our hearts and they embodied this every single day. Mum Bryonie was always cheerful and positive – even first thing in the morning.

“We were looking forward to Aubree joining us in the future. They will be very sadly missed and remembered with great fondness.”