Second man is arrested after pregnant woman’s body is found in burning van – and she could have been alive when she was set alight

By SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER 09:53 10 Oct 2026, updated 09:58 10 Oct 2026

A second man has been arrested after a pregnant woman’s body was found in a burning van, which she may have been alive in when it was set alight.

Samantha Natalie Phythian was discovered after police were alerted to a burning van on Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn, North Wales, at around 11.30pm last Sunday.

Post-mortem examinations revealed Ms Phythian, from Rhyl, was pregnant at the time of her death, North Wales Police have said.

A murder probe was launched and a second man, 47, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and possession with intent to supply drugs.

Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, has since been charged with her murder. He appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday via videolink and was remanded in custody.

Judge Geraint Walters said it is believed that the victim was alive when the van fire started and that the defendant’s case was that he did not start the fire.

The judge said: ‘The victim was alive at the time, or at least sufficiently alive, and she was killed as a result of the arson itself.’

The case was adjourned to January for a plea and trial preparation hearing. A potential trial date was scheduled to take place for three weeks in April next year.

Post-mortem examinations revealed Ms Phythian, from Rhyl, was pregnant at the time of her death, according to police.

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

The family said: ‘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.’

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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