Bradford: Inquest opens into deaths of 'beautiful' mother and three children killed in house fire

Bryonie Gawith, 29, died along with Denisty, nine, Oscar, five, and Aubree, 22 months, after their home on Westbury Road was set alight in the early hours of August 21. A fundraising page for the family has raised almost £20,000.

Mohammed Shabir, 44, and Calum Sunderland, 25, will stand trial next year for their murders, and the attempted murder of Bryonie's sister Antonia Gawith.

Bradford Coroners Court heard that emergency services were called at 2.07am to reports that the house was on fire.

Bryonie tragically died at the house at 2.48am despite their best efforts, the brief hearing was told.

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Coroners Officer Helen Binns told the court: “Bryonie Gawith, a single female born on November 6, 1994, was 29 at the time of her death. She died sadly on August 21 at 2.48am at Westbury Road, Bradford."

Senior coroner Martin Fleming said: “On August 21 at 2.07am, an urgent call was made to West Yorkshire Police to say a family house was on fire. Present at the house was Bryonie Gawith and her three children.

“Police and fire attended but despite their best efforts they sadly died.”

DI Eleanor Buchanan from West Yorkshire Police told the inquest: “We have identified three suspects, two have been charged with serious offences and have appeared before crown court.

“The next date is September 25 and a provisional trial date has been set for March 4 next year. A third male removed from the property was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition."

Mr Fleming adjourned the hearing pending the outcome of the court case, adding: “I’m very keen to release the family to their loved ones. Because of these circumstances, you are requesting a suspension of these proceedings.

“Since of course the criminal proceedings must take priority I am suspending these proceedings pending the outcome of the crown court proceedings.”

Three other people remain under investigation in connection with the fire, police previously said. A 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and attempt murder has been interviewed and released on conditional bail.

A 54-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been interviewed and also released on bail.

Bryonie's sister Antonia Gawith was believed to have been staying with her at the property after her relationship broke down. She managed to flee the house before the fire was started.

She visited the scene with her other sister Claire and mum Rachel Simpson after the tragedy to lay flowers and read tributes left at the house.

In the family's statement released by police, they spoke of “profound loss” and said they were “still trying to comprehend what has happened”.

They said Bryonie was “the life and soul of the party” and she would always be singing and dancing with her children, adding: “Her kids were everything to her.”

Jonathan Birtle, Bryonie's partner and father of the children, said: “I am absolutely distraught at the sudden loss of my fiancée, Bryonie and our three beautiful children. 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 Denisty. 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.”