House fire in Bradford: Investigation launched after fire in Westbury Road

Following the death of Bryonie Gawith and her children Denisty-Mai, Oscar and Aubree, numerous flowers and messages were left outside the house on Westbury Road in the BD6 district.

The outpouring of support and grief comes after the inquest into their deaths opened in a brief hearing at Bradford Coroner’s Court this morning.

Senior Coroner Martin Fleming said: “It is with a heavy heart that I formally open the inquest into the deaths of mother Bryonie Gawith and three of her children Denisty-Mai Dolores Birtle, Oscar Jonathon Birtle and Aubree Birtle.”

Coroner Helen Binns issued a statement describing each of them as “sad deaths”.

The court heard that Ms Gawith was 29 years old.

Ms Binns said: “She died at 26 Westbury Road, Bradford, at 2.48am on 21 August 2024.”

The coroner added that Aubree was one year old, Oscar Gawith was five years old and Denisty was nine years old at the time of their deaths.

Brief details were released regarding the circumstances of her death.

Ms Binns said: “At 2.07am on 21 August 2024, West Yorkshire Police received an urgent emergency call reporting a family home on fire. Bryonie Gawith and her three children were in attendance.

“Police and firefighters were on site, but despite their efforts, unfortunately everyone lost their lives.”

The fire scene on Westbury Road (Image: Newsquest)

Detective Inspector Eleanor Buchanan of West Yorkshire Police attended court and confirmed that police are currently compiling a file of criminal evidence.

The court heard that a total of three suspects were arrested and one was taken away from the property at the time of the fire. He was taken to hospital where he is currently in a critical condition.

The other two suspects were charged with serious offences and appeared before the Crown Court as the inquest opened.

Mohammed Shabir, 44, of Alice Street, Keighley, and Calum Sunderland, 25, of Calton Street, Keighley, are charged with the murder of Ms Gawith and the three children, and the attempted murder of Antonia Gawith.

Forensic technicians on site after the fire (Image: Newsquest)

They are due to appear at Bradford Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on September 25, with a provisional trial date set for March 4 next year.

Mr Fleming said an autopsy had been carried out but the coroner was awaiting the relevant files.

He added: “I really want to hand the family over to their loved ones.”

The investigation was suspended pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

Mr Fleming said: “Of course the criminal proceedings must take priority.

“I am formally adjourning these proceedings pending the outcome of the Crown Court.”