A crash involving two cars which resulted in the death of a woman is now being treated as murder, police say. The collision happened on the B4696, near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire, on the evening of June 30 and also led to a girl being injured. Wiltshire Police said the incident involved an orange Peugeot 107 travelling northbound and a black Vauxhall Astra heading southbound.
The driver of the Peugeot, a woman in her 70s, was declared dead at the scene. She has been named locally as Barbara Mullaney, who reports say ran a pet shop in Cricklade. A passenger in the Vauxhall, a teenage girl, suffered serious injuries in the collision and was taken to hospital where she remains.
Police said the driver of the Vauxhall, a man aged 43, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He was taken to hospital for treatment after the collision and has now been taken into custody for questioning.
Wendy Hindley and Lizzie Rose, who run a business in Cricklade, told the Swindon Advertiser Ms Mullaney was a bright and caring woman.
They said: “It is difficult to believe that such a bright, bubbly, funny, caring and kind person could be taken in the most cruel, mindless circumstances.”
Det Ch Insp Phil Walker, who is leading the investigation, confirmed the collision is now being treated as a murder investigation and the suspect has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
He added: “My thoughts continue to be with the victim’s family and all that knew her. Her next of kin have been informed of this latest development in the investigation and they continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
“I appreciate this update may increase community concern, however, please be reassured there is no risk to the wider public and we are working to piece together the events which led to this tragic incident.”
DCI Walker said the police want to hear from any witnesses or anyone who might have dash cam footage from the area at the time of the collision.
He also urged any witnesses with dash cam footage dated June 30 of a black Vauxhall Astra from Cricklade High Street, Purton High Street and the surrounding areas to get in touch.