AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a woman in Prestatyn which has prompted a murder investigation.
Samantha Phythian, 35, of no fixed abode, died following a van fire on Gas Works Lane late on the evening of Sunday, October 4.
The inquest into Ms Phythian’s death opened at County Hall, Ruthin this afternoon (October 12).
John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales (East and Central), said a provisional cause of death of inhalation of smoke and fire gases has been recorded following a post-mortem examination.
Ms Phythian, who was born in Sheffield and unemployed at the time of her death, was pronounced dead at 11.30pm on October 4 by a paramedic.
She was formally identified by DNA.
Mr Gittins adjourned the inquest, pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
*Thomas Bell, 38, of Wellington Road, Rhyl, has been charged with murdering Ms Phythian.
He has been remanded in custody and will enter a plea to the allegation on Friday, November 27.
A provisional trial start date has been fixed for Monday, April 5, 2027.
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