A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following a fatal collision on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire. The crash, which occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, resulted in the death of Barbara Mullaney, a local pet shop owner in her 70s, and serious injuries to a teenage girl.
Mullaney, who owned the shop Animal Fayre on Cricklade High Street, was declared dead at the scene. The teenage girl, a passenger in the other vehicle, was taken to the hospital and remains there with serious injuries. The driver of the vehicle she was in, a 43-year-old man, was also taken to the hospital for treatment before his arrest.
Wiltshire Police have launched a murder investigation into the incident. The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to receiving multiple calls expressing concern about the suspect's behavior earlier on the day of the crash. These calls are now part of the ongoing investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker stated that the collision is now being treated as a murder investigation and the suspect has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder. He reassured the public that there is no wider risk and that the investigation is working to determine the events leading up to the incident. Police are seeking witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage of a black Vauxhall Astra in the Cricklade High Street, Purton High Street, and surrounding areas on June 30.
Tributes have been shared for Mullaney, with her granddaughter Molly stating the family is keeping the shop open in her honor and encouraging customers to reach out for deliveries. Locals described Mullaney as a beloved community figure known for her warm demeanor and the attractive displays in her shop.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Wiltshire Police.