The tragic mother who died alongside her three children in a house fire had allegedly been strangled and assaulted by her ex-partner prior to her death, it emerged today.

Bryonie Gawith, 29, died alongside Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 month-old, following the fire in Bradford, West Yorks., on Wednesday.

Scaffolder Jonathan Birtle, 34, appeared before Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court accused of strangulation, assault and theft.

He was also charged with possession of cannabis and will appear before Bradford Crown Court next week.

Birtle was remanded in custody and was behind bars when Bryonie and their three young children were killed in the blaze in Westbury Road in the city.

The address for Birtle on court documents was given as the same house on Westbury Road. He is due to appear before Bradford Crown Court next Tuesday.

Both Birtle and Bryonie were listed as 'single' on Facebook but photos shared previously show them together with their children.

Today (Thurs), a sea of floral tributes were left at the police cordon on the end of Westbury Road, with cards and teddy bears left in memory of the three youngsters.

One card left at the scene by Destiny'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. "

"Destiny, 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."

A 39-year-old man was arrested and is in a critical condition in hospital. Police say the fire was 'started deliberately' as part of a 'domestic' incident.