MAN, 43, CHARGED WITH MURDER OVER CRASH THAT KILLED PET SHOP OWNER

A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following a head-on collision on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire on 30 June. Barbara Mullaney, a pet shop owner, was declared dead at the scene. A teenage passenger in the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital before being discharged. The collision involved an orange Peugeot 107 travelling southbound and a black Vauxhall Astra travelling northbound.

Ms Mullaney operated the Animal Fayre pet shop on Cricklade High Street. Dozens of floral tributes were left outside the shop following her death. Family members and community members posted messages of condolence on social media, describing Ms Mullaney as a "lovely, caring vibrant lady" who had touched many lives through her business. One family statement thanked the Cricklade community for their support, describing the outpouring as "unbelievable" and noting the significant number of people affected by her death.

Wiltshire Police confirmed the driver of the Peugeot was a woman in her 70s. The arrested man, the driver of the Vauxhall, received hospital treatment following the collision before being taken into custody. The circumstances leading to the arrest on murder and attempted murder charges have not been detailed by police.