Police have opened a murder investigation following a head-on collision that killed a woman in her 70s and left a teenage passenger with severe injuries. The crash occurred on the B4696 between Lydiard Plain and Braydon Road near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire on the evening of June 30.
Victim identified as beloved pet shop owner
The driver of the orange Peugeot 107, Barbara Mullaney, was declared dead at the scene. A teenage passenger in her vehicle remains hospitalized. The driver of the black Vauxhall Astra, a 43-year-old man, was initially arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He has now been further arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
After being treated for serious injuries sustained in the crash, the suspect was taken into custody for questioning. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, leading the investigation, said: 'Following initial enquiries, I can confirm this collision is now being treated as a murder investigation, and the suspect has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder. My thoughts continue to be with the victim’s family and all that knew her.'
Community mourns loss of 'heart of the community'
Mullaney, a much-loved pet shop owner in Cricklade, is remembered as a 'bright and caring' woman. Wendy Hindley and Lizzie Rose of Indico, a neighboring business, 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. Everyone, pets and their humans alike, will miss her desperately.'
The Wild Fig Deli called her 'Aunty Barbara' and said they were 'absolutely heartbroken for the loss of our dear friend.' Locals described her as the 'heart of the community' who 'touched the lives of so many people over the years.'
Police appeal for witnesses and dash cam footage
Walker added that while the incident 'may increase community concern,' the public should be 'reassured that there is no risk to the wider public.' Police are working to piece together events leading to the tragedy and are seeking witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage from the area at the time, particularly of a black Vauxhall Astra from Cricklade High Street, Purton High Street, and surrounding areas on June 30.
Wiltshire Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact with the suspect. A force spokesperson said earlier this week: 'We received a number of calls from the public relating to the subject prior to the collision throughout the day, which are forming part of the investigation. On that basis, we have referred ourselves to the IOPC.'
