Pregnant mother found dead in burning van; suspect charged with murder

Samantha Natalie Phythian, affectionately called Sammi, was found dead inside a burning van in Prestatyn, and a post-mortem confirmed she was pregnant at the time of her death. Police have charged Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, of Wellington Road, Rhyl, with murder, and a further arrest was made on Friday relating to the incident. Sammi's friends, with family permission, started a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to honor her memory.

Maryjane Haggerty, who initiated the fundraiser, described Sammi as an outgoing and vibrant person whose loss has devastated those who knew her. Detective chief inspector Zoie Dunkerley appealed for community discretion to avoid adding distress to the family while the investigation proceeds.