# Woman found in burning van after being 'murdered' was pregnant

> Woman found in burning van was pregnant and could have been alive when fire started.
- Title: Woman found in burning van after being 'murdered' was pregnant
- Summary: Woman found in burning van was pregnant and could have been alive when fire started. 35-year-old Samantha Phythian, pregnant, was found in burning van in…
- Keywords: samantha phythian, prestatyn, north wales, van fire, murder investigation, pregnant woman, news, entertainment, Woman, found, burning, van
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16197103/Woman-burning-van-murdered-pregnant-alive.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-09T17:05:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: samantha phythian, prestatyn, north wales, van fire, murder investigation, pregnant woman, news, entertainment
## Woman found in burning van
A 35-year-old woman was found in a burning van in Prestatyn, North Wales.
## Woman was pregnant
Post-mortem examinations revealed she was pregnant at the time of her death.
## Could have been alive
Police believe the victim was alive when the van fire started.
## Arrested for murder
Thomas Bell, 38, from Rhyl, was arrested on Monday, October 5, and charged with murder.
## Court appearance
He appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday via videolink and was remanded in custody.
## Judge's statement
The judge said the victim was alive at the time or sufficiently alive and killed as a result of the arson.
## Case timeline
The case was adjourned to January for a plea and trial preparation hearing with a potential trial date in April next year.
## Family tribute
Her family described her as a 'much-loved mum, daughter, sister, auntie and friend'.
## Family statement
The family said her tragic death left them devastated and struggling to come to terms with the loss.
## Family request
They asked people to be mindful and respectful of rumors circulating over social media.
## Detective chief inspector
Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley urged the community to be careful of comments that would add to the family's distress.
## Council statement
Councillor Gerry Frobisher said this type of incident has never occurred in Prestatyn before.
## Council reassurance
He believed Prestatyn is a safe place to be and expressed thoughts for the family and friends.
## Key takeaway

35-year-old Samantha Phythian, pregnant, was found in burning van in Prestatyn, North Wales, and could have been alive when fire began.