Man remanded in custody charged with Prestatyn van murder
Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 9 Oct, 16:45 · Archive
A 38-year-old man has been charged with murder after a woman's body was found in a burning van in Prestatyn on Sunday evening.
A woman's body was discovered in a burning van on Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn on Sunday evening, 4 October, after emergency services were called to the scene at around 11.30pm. Police launched a murder investigation following the discovery.
Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, of Wellington Road in Rhyl, was arrested on Monday, 5 October, on suspicion of murder and has since been charged with the offence. He appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday via video link, where he was remanded in custody.
The identity of the victim has not been publicly released, though the court heard she was known to the defendant. A post-mortem examination confirmed the victim was an adult female. Formal identification is yet to take place.
In the court hearing, Judge Geraint Walters said it is understood the victim was alive when the van fire started. Bell's legal team indicated he would deny the charge of murder. Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley said the investigation was ongoing and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Bell will enter a formal plea on Friday, 27 November. A provisional trial date has been set for April 2027, expected to last three weeks and take place at either Mold or Caernarfon Crown Court.
How it is being reported
- Woman who died in burning van was 'alive when fire began', court toldA 39-year-old man has been charged with murderWalesOnline · 9 Oct, 11:23
- Man accused of murder after body found in burning van appears in courtThomas Bell has been remanded in custody after he was arrested and charged with murder.BBC Wales · 9 Oct, 10:33
- Police issue major update after appeal over alleged camper van arsonA man has been identified by police following a successful appeal in connection with an arson investigation.South Wales Argus · 8 Oct, 16:42
- Man charged with murder after woman's body found in burning vanHe is due to appear in court today charged with murderWalesOnline · 8 Oct, 13:39
- Police issue major murder probe update after body found in burning vanThe tragic discovery was made after police were called to a Welsh seaside town on Sunday eveningWalesOnline · 7 Oct, 16:19
In this story: Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell · Prestatyn · Rhyl · North Wales Police · Judge Geraint Walters · Zoie Dunkerley
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