THE discovery of Annette Poulsom and her former partner Julian Maggs in a burning car is a chilling echo of another tragedy to hit the dead woman's family, it was revealed today.

Police revealed that suspected murder victim Ms Poulsom's brother also died in a car fire in tragically similar circumstances 11 years ago.

Ms Poulsom, 47, was found dead in a burning car with ex-lover Mr Maggs, 34, at a secluded spot near the Low-er Carno Reservoir on the outskirts of Ebbw Vale last Friday.

Police are considering the possibility that warehouse worker Mr Maggs, of Glandwr Street, Abertillery, murdered the mother of two, from Coronation Street, Blaina.

At a press conference today at Ebbw Vale police station Detective Chief Inspector Andy Williams, who is leading the investigation, said Ms Poulsom's brother, Mart-in, was discovered dead in the driver's seat of a burnt- out car in a beauty spot in the Valleys 11 years ago.

DCI Williams said: "It's obviously similar to what happened last Friday.

"I dare say the two individuals in the car knew about the incident but obviously we will never know."

Ms Poulsom's sister, Pauline Tredrea, from Blaina, made an emotional appeal for information concerning the death of her sister.

She said: "She was a beautiful woman and was young at heart, she always lived life to the full.

"It wasn't Nettie's time to die and she should not have been taken from us.

"If anyone knows anything or has seen anything please come forward." She said Mr Maggs and her sister were still friends even after their seven-year relationship ended.

The bodies of the pair were discovered in the vehicle at an isolated picnic area in Ebbw Vale on Friday.

Ms Poulsom, who was previously married, was known as Nettie Thomas by her neighbours and friends.

Dental records were used to establish their identities.

Police say they are waiting for the results of post-mortem examinations to find out the cause of their deaths. It may take two weeks before they receive the results.

Detective Chief Inspector Williams said: "We are considering the possibility of Julian being responsible for the death of his ex-partner.

"It's being treated as a murder inquiry and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"Inquiries are continuing to find out exactly what happened. We are trying to establish if Nettie was already dead at the time of the fire."

Anyone with information should contact the police incident room on 01495 330999 ext 2960.