A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was found in a burnt-out van in Prestatyn.
Emergency services were called to Gas Works Lane in the North Wales town at around 11.30pm on Sunday following reports of a van on fire. The body was discovered inside.
North Wales Police said a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, with detectives yet to identify the victim in the van.
Investigation underway
The force is urging anyone with information to get in touch. Locals have been told to expect an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.
Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley said: "Our investigation is still in the early stages, and we are yet to identify the person that sadly died."
"Enquiries will continue over the coming days and an increased police presence will be visible in the area. I would encourage anyone who has any information that could help us, to make contact via our live webchat online or on 101, quoting ref. 26000816112."
Emergency response and cordon
Firefighters, police and ambulance crews all attended the blaze on Sunday night. It was this morning that police confirmed a body had been recovered from the vehicle and that a murder inquiry had been launched.
The area remained sealed off by police this afternoon, with forensics teams working throughout the day. North Wales Police said a cordon would remain in place in the immediate area to allow officers to conduct their enquiries.
Community reaction
The discovery has shocked the local community, with one resident saying: "My thoughts go out to the person and their family, it's heartbreaking at any time when someone dies."
Another added: "This is tragic, thoughts go out with the family."
Earlier on Monday, Detective Superintendent Chris Bell said: "Officers are working at pace to identify the person. Once the identity is known, specialist trained officers will be assigned to support their family as soon as possible."
DS Bell continued: "We understand this incident may cause concern within the local community, and I would like to reassure the public that there is a visible policing presence in the area."
"I would appeal to anyone who was in the Gas Works Lane are of Prestatyn between 10.45pm and 11.45pm yesterday and saw or heard anything unusual to contact us."
