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.