Dad of three kids killed in house fire says he'd take their place 'in heartbeat'

A dad who lost his partner and three children in a tragic house fire has spoken out, saying he would have taken their place "in a heartbeat."

Johnathan Birtle released a heartbreaking statement as his partner and mum to three kids Bryonie Gawith, 29, died after a devastating blaze ripped through a house in Bradford in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Her three children Denisty Birtle, nine, five-year-old Oscar Birtle and baby Aubree Birtle, 22 months, were rushed to hospital, but they all sadly died from their injuries.

Police are treating the fire as deliberate and have arrested a 39-year-old man they said was the ex-partner of someone who had been a guest at the house. The children's father, Jonathan Birtle, has joined Bryonie's family releasing a statement on the tragic loss.

READ MORE:Serial killer Lucy Letby's prison hell exposed as ex warden says she is 'beyond redemption'

READ MORE:Sick killer decapitated new bride in cabin behind parents' home and left head in shower

Mr Birtle, 35, said he had been left "heartbroken" by the unimaginable loss of his partner and children. “Bryonie and I were together for a long time, and we had a good life together,” he said.

“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 cannot imagine life without them. They will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart.”

Mr Birtle had been in custody at the time of the fire, and was not considered a part of the investigation. Tributes released by Bryonie's family on Thursday described her "the life and soul of the party" who "loved music, singing and dancing" and, for whom, her children "were everything to her".

"We are still trying to comprehend what has happened to our beautiful family," they said. "No words can describe how we are feeling and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now faced with."

West Yorkshire Police is continuing to investigate the fire. The 39-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder remained in hospital in a critical condition on Thursday night.

The force also confirmed officers had previously visited the house on Westbury Road, Bradford, last month over what they said was an unrelated matter, and would therefore not be making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.