A tragic arson attack in Bradford has resulted in the deaths of mother Bryonie Gawith and her three young children, sparking outrage and grief within the local community. The incident occurred on August 21, 2024, when the family home on Westbury Avenue was deliberately set on fire. Witnesses have described the event as horrifying, with some residents expressing a desire to leave the area due to the trauma experienced.
Residents of the neighborhood are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the attack, which has left them in shock. One anonymous neighbor expressed a strong opinion on justice, stating that those responsible should face the death penalty, although he acknowledged that such a punishment is unlikely to be reinstated in the UK. He described the incident as a “horror story” and noted the emotional toll it has taken on the community every time they see the boarded-up house.
The devastating fire claimed the lives of Bryonie, Denisty Birtle (nine), Oscar Birtle (five), and Aubree Birtle (22 months). The court heard that Sharaz Ali, 40, sought revenge against his former partner, Bryonie’s sister Antonia Gawith, who was staying at the home after escaping an abusive relationship. Ali’s actions, fueled by jealousy and substance abuse, led to the tragic loss of innocent lives.
According to court proceedings, Ali and his accomplice, Calum Sunderland, filled a canister with fuel prior to the attack. They arrived at the Gawith residence in the early hours of the morning, where Sunderland forcefully entered the home while Ali poured petrol and ignited the flames. Despite the quick response from emergency services, all four victims succumbed to their injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson characterized the actions of Ali and Sunderland as “horrific and truly callous,” underscoring the severity of the crime. Following the attack, Ali was apprehended at the scene with serious injuries and was hospitalized for several months. Sunderland was later located by police in the basement of a property in Keighley.
The community’s anger is palpable, with residents expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the incident. One local man, reflecting on the tragic loss, stated, “It’s a difficult subject—we all knew her,” highlighting the close-knit nature of the area and the impact of the tragedy on those who were connected to the family.
Both Ali and Sunderland will face sentencing at a later date, as the community continues to seek justice for the Gawith family. As the investigation unfolds, residents are left grappling with their grief while calling for a stronger response to violence against families in their neighborhood.
