A 35-year-old woman who was found in a burning van was pregnant and could have been alive when the fire was lit, police have said.

Emergency services rushed to reports of a vehicle on fire in the seaside town of Prestatyn, North Wales, at around 11.30pm on Sunday.

A murder investigation was launched after a body was recovered from the van, which has since been identified as Samantha Natalie Phythian. 

Post-mortem examinations revealed Ms Phythian, from Rhyl, was pregnant at the time of her death, according to police. 

Thomas Bell, 38, from Rhyl, was arrested on Monday, October 5, and charged with murder. He appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday via videolink and was remanded in custody.     

Judge Geraint Walters said it is believed that the victim was alive when the van fire started and that the defendant’s case was that he did not start the fire. 

The judge said: ‘The victim was alive at the time, or at least sufficiently alive and she was killed as a result of the arson itself.’   

The case was adjourned to January for a plea and trial preparation hearing. A potential trial date was scheduled to take place for three weeks in April next year. 

Samantha Natalie Phythian, 35, whose body was found in a burning van in Prestatyn

Emergency services rushed to reports of a vehicle on fire in the seaside town of Prestatyn, North Wales, at around 11.30pm on Sunday

A murder investigation was launched after Ms Phythian’s body was recovered from the van

In a tribute, her family described her as a ‘much-loved mum, daughter, sister, auntie and friend’.

The family said: ‘Samantha, who everyone knows as Sammi, will be remembered for the special place she held in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

‘Her tragic and untimely death has left her family and friends devastated, struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone who meant so much to so many.

‘No family should ever have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such circumstances.

‘While her life has been cruelly cut short, the memories she created, the love she gave and the lives she touched will never be forgotten.

‘She will forever be cherished by those who loved her, and she will be deeply missed.

‘As a family we would like to ask people to be mindful and respectful of rumours circulating over social media platforms at this devastating time.’

Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley said: ‘My thoughts are with Sammi’s family and friends. 

‘I would also urge the community to be careful of commenting anything which would add to the family’s distress or interfere with the ongoing active legal proceedings.’

Councillor Gerry Frobisher, of Prestatyn Town Council, said: ‘This type of incident, as far as I am aware, has never occurred in Prestatyn before. It is an isolated incident.

‘I believe that a person has been arrested in connection with the incident. Prestatyn is a safe place to be. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased.’