Police make more arrests over fatal Bradford house fire

Detectives investigating a house fire in which a woman and three children died in Bradford have made further arrests, West Yorkshire police have said.

Bryonie Gawith 29, and her three children – Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and 22-month-old, Aubree Birtle – died after their home was deliberately set alight in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Police said a number of warrants were executed in the Keighley area of Bradford overnight in relation to the fire.

Two men aged 36 and 45 years old were arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday and remain in police custody, the force said.

There are searches at a number of addresses on Carlby Grove, Carlton Street, Malsis Road and Minnie Street.

A 39-year-old man arrested at the scene on Wednesday on suspicion of murder remains in hospital in a critical condition.

The senior investigating officer, DCI Stacey Atkinson of the homicide and major inquiry team, said: “Extensive inquiries remain ongoing today in what is very much a live and active investigation.

“Specialist officers are continuing to support the family. They are understandably devastated at their loss, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.

“We are continuing to appeal for any information in relation to the fire, and keen to speak to anyone who might have any information to come forward.”

Anyone who can assist our investigation is asked to contact us via 101