Body Found in Burning Van Confirmed as Woman as Murder Investigation Continues

A body discovered inside a burning van in Prestatyn has been confirmed as that of an adult woman, North Wales Police said, as officers continue a murder investigation.

Emergency services were called to Gas Works Lane, Prestatyn, at around 23:30 BST on Sunday, 4 October, after reports that a van was on fire.

A Home Office post-mortem examination has established that the deceased was female.

However, formal identification has not yet taken place.

Police have urged members of the public not to speculate about the woman's identity on social media while enquiries continue.

Murder investigation underway

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death.

Police said he remains in custody and is being questioned by detectives.

An extension to his period of detention was granted on Tuesday.

The arrest is part of the ongoing investigation and does not mean the man has been found guilty of any offence.

The circumstances surrounding the woman's death remain under investigation.

Police appeal for information

Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley said officers understood the incident would have caused concern within the local community.

Police are maintaining a visible presence in the area while investigative work continues.

Det Ch Insp Dunkerley thanked members of the public who had already contacted North Wales Police with information.

The force is continuing to appeal to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the time of the incident to come forward.

Information from witnesses, CCTV, dashcam footage or anyone who was in the area could assist detectives in establishing what happened.

Public urged not to speculate

North Wales Police has specifically asked people not to speculate about the identity of the deceased online.

Until formal identification has taken place and the woman's family has been informed, details about who she was have not been released.

The coroner is also being kept informed as the investigation continues.

For residents in Prestatyn, police said officers would remain visible locally and available to speak to anyone concerned by the incident.

Investigation continues

The discovery was made after the van caught fire late on Sunday evening.

Detectives are now working to establish the circumstances leading up to the fire and the woman's death.

The investigation remains at an early stage, with forensic and other enquiries continuing.

Anyone with information that could assist North Wales Police is being urged to contact the force.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no one has been convicted in connection with the death.