Pregnant woman found dead in burning van in Wales

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 18:31 · Archive

Samantha Natalie Phythian, 35, was found dead in a burning van in Prestatyn, north Wales, and was pregnant at the time of her death.

The body of Samantha Natalie Phythian, 35, from Rhyl, was found in a burning van in Prestatyn, north Wales, after emergency services were called to Gas Works Lane at around 11.30pm on Sunday. A post-mortem examination revealed she was pregnant at the time of her death.

Thomas Bell, 35, from Rhyl, was arrested and charged with her murder. He appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday and was remanded in custody. The Daily Mail reports that Judge Geraint Walters said Ms Phythian was believed to be alive when the van fire started, and that the defendant's case was that he did not start the fire.

A formal plea hearing has been scheduled for November 27, with a provisional trial date set for April next year. The Daily Mail reports a plea and trial preparation hearing is also scheduled for January.

In a tribute, her family described Ms Phythian as a 'much-loved mum, daughter, sister, auntie and friend', saying her 'tragic and untimely death has left her family and friends devastated'.

Pregnant woman found dead in burning van in Wales — Image: Daily Mail

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How it is being reported

Woman, 35, found in burning van after being 'murdered' was pregnant - and 'could have been alive when set alight'Emergency services rushed to reports of a vehicle on fire in the seaside town of Prestatyn, North Wales, at around 11.30pm on Sunday.Daily Mail · 9 Oct, 18:11
'Much-loved' mum found dead in burning van in Prestatyn was pregnantThe body of pregnant Samantha Natalie Phythian, 35, from Rhyl, was found in a burning van in Prestatyn, north Wales - a man has been charged with murderThe Mirror · 9 Oct, 15:42

In this story: Samantha Natalie Phythian · Thomas Bell · Prestatyn · Rhyl · North Wales Police · Mold Crown Court

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