Prestatyn fire murder charges: Melanie Smith remanded

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A 42-year-old woman has been remanded in custody charged with the murders of a woman and three children in a house fire in Prestatyn.

Melanie Smith is charged with the murders of Lee-Anna Shiers, 20, her 15-month-old son Charlie, nephew Bailey Allen, four, and niece Skye, two.

She was remanded to appear before Mold Crown Court on Wednesday.

There were shouts from the public gallery of the children's names as she was taken from court.

Image caption,

Melanie Smith appeared at Mold Crown Court

She is also accused of one count of arson with intent to endanger life and threats to commit criminal damage.

Ms Shiers died in the blaze on 19 October along with her niece and nephew.

Her son died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool surrounded by his family.

Liam Timbrell, 23, Ms Shiers' partner and Charlie's father, remains in hospital.