Police have opened a murder investigation following a head-on collision that killed a 70-year-old pet shop owner and left a teenage passenger seriously injured. The crash occurred on the B4696 between Lydiard Plain and Braydon Road, near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire, on the evening of June 30.
Details of the Collision
Wiltshire Police reported that the incident involved an orange Peugeot 107 traveling northbound and a black Vauxhall Astra traveling southbound. The driver of the Peugeot, Barbara Mullaney, was pronounced dead at the scene. A teenage passenger in her vehicle remains hospitalized with severe injuries.
The driver of the Vauxhall, 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 since been further arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. After being treated at the hospital for serious injuries sustained in the crash, he was taken into custody for questioning.
Investigation Update
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, leading the investigation, stated: '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. Her next of kin have been informed of this latest development, and they continue to be supported by specially trained officers.'
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 the events' leading to the tragedy. They urge any witnesses or individuals with dash cam footage from the collision area or from Cricklade High Street, Purton High Street, and surrounding areas on June 30 to come forward.
Referral to IOPC
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: 'We received a number of calls from the public relating to the subject prior to the collision throughout the day [yesterday], which are forming part of the investigation. On that basis, we have referred ourselves to the IOPC.'
Community Mourning
Barbara Mullaney, a beloved pet shop owner in Cricklade, is being mourned by the community. Wendy Hindley and Lizzie Rose of Indico, a neighboring business on the High Street, described her as 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. Everyone, pets and their humans alike, will miss her desperately. Elvis, our pug, certainly will.'
A spokesperson for The Wild Fig Deli expressed being 'absolutely heartbroken for the loss of our dear friend,' affectionately calling her 'Aunty Barbara.' Other locals referred to Mullaney as the 'heart of the community' who 'touched the lives of so many people over the years.'
