Police have confirmed that the body found in a burning van in Prestatyn was an adult female, as a murder investigation continues. A 38-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody after an extension of custody was granted on Tuesday night.
Body discovered after fire on Gas Works Lane
Emergency services were called to Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn at around 11.30pm on Sunday. Officers, fire crews and the ambulance service attended the scene, and North Wales Police confirmed on Monday morning that a body had been discovered inside the van.
The discovery prompted detectives to launch a murder investigation, and a 38-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.
Postmortem confirms victim was adult female
In a statement, police said: "Officers investigating the fire involving a van on Gas Works Lane, Prestatyn on Sunday night continue to question a 38 year old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder."
"Last night (Tuesday), an extension of custody was granted, and our investigations into the incident are ongoing. A Home Office postmortem of the body recovered from the van was undertaken yesterday, and we can confirm that the victim was an adult female."
"Formal identification is yet to take place, and we would ask that you do not speculate on social media in this regard. The Coroner is being kept informed."
Community impact and appeal for information
Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley said: "I understand this incident will have caused concern to the local community, and our officers will be maintaining a visible presence in the area should anyone need to talk to us."
"I would like to thank the members of the public who have already contacted us, but if you have any information that could assist our investigation, and you have not already spoken to us, please get in touch via our live webchat or on 101 quoting reference 26000816112."
Cllr Gerry Frobisher, representing Central Ward on Prestatyn Town Council, added: "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."
