Barbara Mullaney death: Murder arrest after beloved pet shop owner killed in head-on crash in Royal Wootton Bassett

A businesswoman whose death in a head-on crash is being treated as murder is being remembered as a “lovely, caring” woman.

Pet shop owner Barbara Mullaney has been named locally as the person killed in the crash on the B4696, near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire.

Dozens of bouquets have been left outside the Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade High Street following Ms Mullaney’s death on the evening of 30 June.

One said: “We offer our condolences, Auntie Barb was such a lovely, caring vibrant lady. Always had time for a chat. She will be greatly missed. RIP Barbara.”

Another said: “Barbara Mullaney was sadly taken from us on Tuesday June 30.

“We pray for Patrick, Jeanette, Molly & all Barbara’s family & friends, that they may be comforted in the knowledge that Barbara was loved by so many.

“May she be remembered always in our hearts with love.”

One family member posted on social media to thank the support of the Cricklade community.

“Words can’t describe the devastation,” they wrote.

“It has been helped so much by the unbelievable outpouring of literally hundreds of people whose hearts Barbara has touched over the years in her little shop.

“The shop is bedecked with such an array of flowers.

“We just can’t thank them enough and tell them how proud of her this makes us feel.

“Barbara was a lady who was loved by more people than I could ever have imagined, most of whom I have never had the privilege of meeting.”

Another wrote: “A thank you from our family.

“For the beautifully overwhelming amount of love, support, hugs, offers, tributes, photos, visits, gifts, flowers, cards, poems, messages and of course – parsley for Worzel.

“It goes without saying that, as is the rest of Cricklade community, we are beyond devastated.”

Wiltshire Police said the collision involved an orange Peugeot 107 travelling southbound and a black Vauxhall Astra travelling northbound.

The driver of the Peugeot, a woman in her 70s, was declared dead at the scene.

A passenger in the Vauxhall, a teenage girl, suffered serious injuries in the collision and was taken to hospital before being discharged.

Police said the driver of the Vauxhall, a man aged 43, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

He was taken to hospital for treatment following the collision and has now been taken into custody for questioning.

The Wiltshire force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous involvement with the suspect.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, who is leading the investigation, said: “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.”