A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following a road crash that left an elderly pet shop owner dead and a teenage girl seriously injured.
Emergency services were called at around 6pm on Tuesday to the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire, where an orange Peugeot 107 and a black Vauxhall Astra had been involved in a fatal collision.
The woman driving the Peugeot, who was in her 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. She has been named locally as Barbara Mullaney, a much-loved pet shop owner, grandmother and familiar figure in the community.
A teenage girl travelling as a passenger in the Vauxhall sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where she remains under care.
The Vauxhall driver, a 43-year-old man, was also taken to hospital for treatment after the crash. He was later arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and has since been taken into custody for questioning.
Wiltshire Police have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after it emerged that officers had received several reports from members of the public raising concerns about the suspect’s behaviour in the hours before the collision.
A force spokesperson said police had received “a number of calls from the public” relating to the individual throughout the day before the crash, adding that those reports are now being examined as part of the investigation.
Barbara Mullaney, pictured, was a local pet shop owner in her 70s who died at the scene of the crash
The fatal collision happened on June 30 on the B4696 (pictured), near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire
‘On that basis, we have referred ourselves to the IOPC.’
Tributes have since poured in for Ms Mullaney, who ran Animal Fayre on Cricklade High Street.
Her granddaughter, Molly, said she and her mother Jeanette were keeping the shop open this week in her honour.
She said: ‘I would like to share our gratitude as a family for all the lovely comments, stories, flowers and tributes we have received for my beloved Granny, Barbara.
‘If you are a customer that needs a delivery, please do get in contact. We want to make sure everyone and their furry friends are sorted for the week, as Granny would’ve wanted.’
Locals on social media described Ms Mullaney as a ‘community figure who was loved by everyone she met’.
A local dog walking group said: ‘Her shop windows were always beautiful – without doubt the best display on Cricklade High Street.
‘Just like her shop, Barbara herself was always impeccably turned out, elegant, warm and full of pride in everything she did.
‘She has touched the lives of so many people over the years, including countless pet-owners and local businesses, and I know I won’t be the only one who wishes I’d popped in just one more time.’
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, who is 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. 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 that there is no risk to the wider public and we are working to piece together the events which led to this tragic incident.
‘We remain keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone who might have dash cam footage from the area of the collision at the time.
‘In addition, any witnesses who have dash cam footage of a black Vauxhall Astra from Cricklade High Street, Purton High Street, and surrounding areas on Tuesday June 30th.’
Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log number 318 of June 30, or email the team at SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk.
