Prestatyn fire: Melanie Smith in court over fifth murder charge

Melanie Smith will be asked to enter a plea in court on 7 January

A 43-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with a fifth murder following a house fire in Denbighshire.

Melanie Smith is charged with the murders of Lee-Anna Shiers, 20, her 15-month-old son Charlie, nephew Bailey Allen, four, niece Skye, two, and partner Liam Timbrell, 23.

She was remanded in custody at Caernarfon Crown Court until 7 January.

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

She appeared via video link for the eight-minute court hearing on Friday. She will be asked to enter a plea in court on 7 January.

Matthew Curtis, prosecuting, said she had been charged with Mr Timbrell's murder on Tuesday.

Mr Timbrell was Ms Shiers' partner and Charlie's father.

He had been in a critical condition since the blaze on 19 October and died on 5 November at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.

Ms Shiers died in the blaze along with her niece and nephew. Charlie died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

A private funeral for all five was held on Tuesday, and a public memorial service was held at Prestatyn Parish Church (Christchurch) at 11:00 GMT on Wednesday.