October 09, 2026
Pregnant woman was alive when burning van was set alight in Wales; man charged with murder
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Pregnant woman was alive when burning van was set alight in Wales; man charged with murder
Prestatyn, Wales — A pregnant 35-year-old woman found dead inside a burning van on Sunday night was still alive when the vehicle was set on fire, a judge has revealed, as police announced a murder charge and a second arrest in the case.
Samantha Natalie Phythian, known to her loved ones as Sammi, was found dead inside the vehicle in Prestatyn on Sunday, Oct. 4. North Wales Police announced on Friday, Oct. 9 that a postmortem examination revealed she was pregnant at the time of her death.
"Someone set the van alight and the person was alive"
During a court hearing on Friday, Judge Geraint Walters said Phythian was alive when the fire began, according to the BBC:
"At the time of ignition the person was alive. Someone set the van alight and the person was alive and was killed as a result of the fire."
Emergency services were called to Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, following reports of a vehicle fire near an industrial estate and retail park.
Murder charge and second arrest
Thomas Bell, 38, of Rhyl, appeared before Mold Crown Court on Friday charged with Phythian's murder. The court heard that Bell knew Phythian but denies setting the vehicle on fire, the outlet reported.
Bell appeared by video link and spoke only to confirm his name. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Caernarfon Crown Court in late November for a plea and preparation hearing. A provisional trial date was set for early April 2027.
Following the hearing, police announced that a second man, 47, had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and possession with intent to supply drugs in connection with Phythian's death, according to the BBC. The man was not named in the report.
Family tribute
Phythian's family remembered her as a "much loved Mum, daughter, sister, Auntie and friend" in a statement released by police:
"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. 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."
The family also urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors about Phythian's death on social media.
Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley said investigators were pursuing available leads following the second arrest:
"Our investigations into this incident are moving at pace, and we are currently exploring every avenue of information open to us."
Anyone with information has been asked to contact North Wales Police, quoting reference number 26000816112.
All charges are allegations. Bell has been charged but not convicted and denies setting the fire.
Source: People, citing North Wales Police and the BBC.
Source: People — read the original report
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