Man accused of murdering young mum and her three kids, 1, 5 and 9, in house fire found dead in prison cell

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A MAN accused of killing a young mum and her three kids in a house fire has been found dead in his prison cell, we can reveal.

Mohammed Shabir, 44, was on remand for the murders of Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her children, Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and 22-month-old Aubree Birtle.

Bryonie Gawith died along with her three children, Denisty, Oscar, and Aubree, after their home was deliberately set alightEnterprise

Refer to CaptionMohammed Shabir, 44, was on remand for the murders of the mum and her children[/caption]

Helen TipperMohammed Shabir (L) and Calum Sunderland (R) in court[/caption]

He was also charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend and Bryonie’s sister, Antonia Gawith.

Horror footage showed huge flames ripping through the home on Westbury Road in Bradford, West Yorkshire, last year.

The horror unfolded on August 21 when flames engulfed the home in the early hours of the morning.

Shabir was one of three men accused of torching the property.

Shabir, Sharaz Ali, 40, and Calum Sunderland, 26, were all due to stand trial for the murders in November at Bradford Crown Court.

The trio, all of Keighley, West Yorks, denied the charges.

It has now been confirmed Shabir was found dead at HMP Leeds yesterday.

The Prison Service confirmed an investigation would be launched into the death.

A spokesperson for the service said: “Mohammed Shabir died on 24 September 2025 at HMP Leeds.

“As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”

In a statement issued after the fire, Bryonie’s family spoke of their “unimaginable sadness and grief”.

They said: “B was always a really happy, joyful, bubbly beautiful woman, who cared for everyone and was loved by everyone.

“Her kids were everything to her, her whole life.

“We are still trying to comprehend what has happened to our beautiful family.

“No words can describe how we are feeling and no words could ever make up for the profound loss we are now faced with.”

Floral tributes were left at the scene of the fire after the blaze ripped through the property last year.

A heartbreaking note left at the scene read: “To Bryony [sic], Denisty, Oscar + Aubree.

“Thinking of you at this difficult time. Have fun in heaven. We will miss you.”

Another card left at the scene by Denisty’s teacher reads: “The stars will shine that little bit brighter in the sky tonight.

“My heart is broken for all of your family and friends.

“Denisty, you were such a lovely, polite girl, the best big sister to Oscar.

“Oscar, what can I say? With your blonde hair and cheeky face, you had a smile that lit up the classroom.

“I will always remember that cheeky smile. RIP.”

Neighbours on the road reported hearing “screams” coming from the home after around five fire engines and a dozen ambulances arrived.

Others saw smoke “billowing out of the house” and smelled “burned rubber” as the property went up in flames.

One neighbour, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “Flames and smoke were coming out of house. We were shocked.

“There was really thick smoke coming up the street. It filled the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming.

“You could hear screaming. I was scared to go up there to see because you don’t know what’s happening.

“It’s a massive thing that’s gone on. It’s scary.”

Speaking at the scene, Superintendent Lucy Leadbeater said: “Our thoughts are with the family, their friends and the community at this sad time”.

SWNSFloral tributes were left outside their home on Westbury Road, Bradford[/caption]

FacebookBryonie’s family spoke of their ‘unimaginable sadness and grief’[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]

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