Police have named a mother and three children who died following a house fire in Bradford early on Wednesday.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder before being taken to hospital with critical injuries. Police said they believe the fire was started deliberately.
Officers were called to the property in Westbury Road at 2.07am.
A 29-year-old woman, named by West Yorkshire Police as Bryonie Gawith was found dead at the scene. Three children, Denisty, nine, Oscar, five and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle were all taken to hospital but died from their injuries.
Giving a statement at the scene, Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater of West Yorkshire Police, said: “A 29-year-old woman named Bryonie Gawith had died at the scene. Three children named as nine-year-old Denisty Birtle, five-year-old Oscar Birtle and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle were taken to hospital, where, sadly, all three died from their injuries.
“Whilst inquiries are at their early stages, we believe that the fire was started deliberately and this incident was domestic-related.
“Detectives from our homicide and major inquiry team have launched a murder investigation into the fire. A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in a critical condition in hospital.
“Specially trained officers are supporting the family and my neighbourhood officers are in the area carrying out reassurance patrols. I would appeal to anyone who is in the Westbury Road area at the time of the incident, who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.
“Our thoughts are with the family, their friends and the community at this sad time.”
A woman who lives nearby in Westbury Road told local paper the Telegraph & Argus: “There was really thick smoke coming up the 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.”
She added: “It’s a massive thing that’s gone on. It’s scary.”
Another local resident said they spotted “at least 15 police vehicles” in addition to “six ambulances and at least four or five fire engines”.
Police are appealing for anyone with information or footage, such as doorbell camera video, to get in contact.
Bradford has some of the highest rates of arson in the UK, with a fire department report suggesting a mix of “deprivation and anti-social behaviour” was making the issue worse, according to the Telegraph & Argus.
In May, a child died and four others were taken to hospital following another house fire in Bradford.
