A ‘much-loved’ pregnant woman whose body was found inside a burning van was alive when the fire was started, a court heard.

Samantha Natalie Phythian, 35, from Rhyl, died in the fire in Prestatyn on Sunday.

A post-mortem revealed yesterday that she was pregnant at the time of her death, North Wales Police said.

Thomas Bell, 35, from Rhyl, had appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday charged with her murder and was remanded in custody.

A 47-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and possession with intent to supply drugs in connection with Samantha’s death.

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

They added: ‘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.’

Bell did not enter a plea on Friday and was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing next year.

During the brief hearing, the court was told he and Samantha knew each other.

Judge Geraint Walters told the hearing: ‘The Crown’s case is effectively whoever did this effectively set the van alight, effectively at the time the ignition took place it can be safely said the victim was alive.

‘Someone set the van alight and the person was alive and was killed as a result of the fire.’

Bell was said to deny setting the vehicle alight.

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.’

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