'Murdered' pregnant woman, 35, whose body was found in a burning van died of smoke and gas inhalation, inquest hears

A pregnant mother-of-four whose body was discovered inside a burning van was killed by inhaling smoke and toxic gases, an inquest heard.

Samantha Phythian, 35, known to her family and friends as Sammi, was allegedly still alive when the vehicle was set alight in the seaside town of Prestatyn, North Wales.

Her body was discovered following a fire on Gas Works Lane on the evening of October 4, but she was not formally identified until five days later.

An inquest into her death opened at County Hall in Ruthin on Monday, where senior coroner for North Wales East and Central John Gittins revealed the provisional findings of a post-mortem examination.

Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers determined that Ms Phythian had died from 'inhalation of smoke and fire gases'.

The hearing was told she had been pronounced dead by a paramedic at 11.30pm on the night of the blaze and was subsequently identified through DNA testing.

Mr Gittins confirmed Ms Phythian, who was born in Sheffield, had been of no fixed address at the time of her death.

The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.

Samantha Phythian, 35, known to her family and friends as Sammi, was allegedly still alive when the vehicle was set alight in the seaside town of Prestatyn, North Wales

Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, from Rhyl, has been charged with her murder and appeared before Mold Crown Court via video link on Friday.

The court heard that prosecutors allege the victim was alive when the van was deliberately set on fire.

Judge Geraint Walters said: '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.

'The victim was alive at the time, or at least sufficiently alive and she was killed as a result of the arson itself.'

Bell, who appeared wearing green and yellow prison clothing, spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing.

He was not asked to enter a plea, although his barrister Simon Killeen indicated that he denied responsibility for Ms Phythian's death.

Mr Killeen told the court: 'At the moment, although it is charged as a "person unknown" it would appear it is a female known to the defendant and she was in a car that was set alight.

'The defendant disputes setting the car alight.'

The court also heard that forensic examinations were continuing, with prosecutor Emmalyne Downing confirming that further work was required.

Bell was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing in January, with a provisional three-week trial scheduled for April next year.

A second man, aged 47, was also arrested in connection with the investigation on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and possession with intent to supply drugs.

North Wales Police confirmed Ms Phythian's identity on Friday and revealed that a post-mortem examination had established she was pregnant when she died.

In a statement, the force said: 'We can confirm that the person who sadly died in a van fire on Gas Works Lane, Prestatyn on the evening of Sunday 4th October was 35-year-old Samantha Natalie Phythian from Rhyl, known as Sammi by her family.

The hearing was told she had been pronounced dead by a paramedic at 11.30pm on the night of the blaze and was subsequently identified through DNA testing

'A postmortem examination has revealed that Sammi was pregnant at the time of her death.

'Sammi's family have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers.'

Her devastated relatives have since paid tribute to the mother-of-four, describing her as 'a much loved Mum, daughter, sister, Auntie and friend.'

They 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.'

The family also appealed for an end to speculation surrounding her death, warning that rumours circulating online were adding to their distress.

They added: '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.'

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley echoed their concerns, urging members of the public not to make comments which could prejudice the criminal proceedings.

She 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.'

The death has also shocked residents in Prestatyn, with a local councillor describing the incident as unprecedented in the seaside community.

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.'