Mum’s Desperate Call for Help Before Tragic House Fire Kills Her and Three Children, Inquest Hears
A tragic inquest revealed that a mother made a desperate call for help before she and her three young children were killed in a house fire, believed to be deliberately set. Bryonie Gawith, 29, along with her children Denisty Birtle, 9, Oscar Birtle, 5, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle, all perished in the devastating blaze in Bradford.
Mohammed Shabir, 44, and Calum Sunderland, 25, have been charged with four counts of murder in connection with the incident. A third suspect, Bryonie’s ex-partner, was found at the scene but remains in a coma and may never recover, police confirmed.
The inquest heard that emergency crews were called to the scene around 2:07 a.m. after reports of the fire engulfing the family home. Despite their swift response, Bryonie was tragically declared dead at the scene 40 minutes later. Senior Coroner Martin Fleming stated that post-mortem examinations have taken place, but the family’s cause of death has not yet been released. The inquest has been adjourned pending the outcome of the ongoing criminal investigation.
The horrifying event took place last Wednesday in the early hours, and authorities believe the fire was deliberately started. A 36-year-old man, also arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, has been released on conditional bail. Two others—a 54-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man—were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but have also been released on bail.
The children’s father, Jonathan, expressed his heartbreak in a moving tribute to his fiancée and their children. “I am absolutely distraught at the sudden loss of Bryonie and our three beautiful children,” he said. “Bryonie was a beautiful woman and a loving mother to Oscar, Aubree, and Density. I loved them with all my heart, and if I could, I would take their place in a heartbeat. They will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart.”
Specialist officers are currently supporting Jonathan and the extended family through this devastating time. Shabir and Sunderland have been remanded in custody and are set to appear for a plea hearing on September 25.