A body found in a burning van has been confirmed as a woman, police have said as they continue a murder investigation.

Emergency services had been called to Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, at about 23:30 BST on 4 October after reports of a van on fire.

Formal identification is yet to take place, and North Wales Police has asked for the public not to speculate as to her identity on social media. The force said the coroner was being kept informed.

A 38-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was still being questioned by police, the force said.

On Tuesday, an extension of custody was granted for the man.

It was confirmed that the victim was an adult female after a Home Office post-mortem examination of the body recovered from the van.

Det Ch Insp 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.”

He thanked members of the public who have already contacted the force, but asked if anyone had information that could assist the investigation to get in touch.