The local community is mourning the tragic loss of Barbara Mullaney, a beloved pet shop owner, whose death in a head-on collision is now being treated as a murder investigation.
Barbara, who ran the Animal Fayre pet shop on Cricklade High Street near Cirencester, was identified as the victim of the fatal crash that occurred on the evening of June 30 on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire.
In the days following the incident, dozens of floral tributes have been placed outside her shop, reflecting the deep affection and respect Barbara earned throughout the years. Community members have expressed their sorrow with heartfelt messages. One tribute read, “We offer our condolences. Auntie Barb was such a lovely, caring, and vibrant lady. Always had time for a chat. She will be greatly missed. RIP Barbara.”
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Another message spoke of the family’s grief and hope: “Barbara Mullaney was sadly taken from us on Tuesday, June 30. We pray for Patrick, Jeanette, Molly, and all of Barbara’s family and friends, that they may find comfort in knowing Barbara was loved by so many. May she always be remembered with love in our hearts.”
A family member shared their gratitude on social media for the overwhelming support, writing, “Words can’t describe the devastation. It has been helped tremendously by the unbelievable outpouring of love from hundreds of people whose lives Barbara touched through her little shop. The shop is adorned with flowers, and we can’t thank everyone enough. We are so proud of her and the impact she made.”
They continued, “Barbara was loved by more people than I could have ever imagined, many of whom I have never met.”
Another family message added, “Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming love, support, hugs, tributes, photos, visits, gifts, flowers, cards, poems, and messages – and of course, parsley for Worzel. Our family and the Cricklade community are beyond devastated.”
Wiltshire Police confirmed that the collision involved an orange Peugeot 107, driven southbound by Barbara Mullaney, who died at the scene, and a northbound black Vauxhall Astra. The teenage passenger of the Vauxhall sustained serious injuries but has since been discharged from hospital.
The driver of the Vauxhall, a 43-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He was initially taken to hospital for treatment following the collision and is now in police custody for questioning. Due to prior contact with the suspect, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, leading the investigation, expressed his condolences: “My thoughts continue to be with the victim’s family and all who knew her. Her next of kin have been informed of this latest development in the investigation, and they are being supported by specially trained officers.”