A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after a fatal collision on June 30 claimed the life of a 70-year-old woman.
The crash occurred around 6:05 pm on the B4696 between Brinkworth Road and Lydiard Plain near Royal Wootton Bassett. It involved two vehicles: an orange Peugeot 107 traveling northbound and a black Vauxhall Astra heading southbound.
The driver of the Peugeot, the elderly woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. A teenage girl, a passenger in the Vauxhall Astra, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
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Following initial investigations, police arrested the Vauxhall’s driver on July 4. He was initially taken to hospital for treatment but has since been transferred into police custody for questioning.
Wiltshire Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior interactions with the suspect. The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) is now leading the inquiry.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker of MCIT said, “This collision is now being treated as a murder investigation. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, who are being supported by trained officers. We acknowledge the community’s concerns but assure the public there is no ongoing risk.”
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or who might have dashcam footage, especially of a black Vauxhall Astra traveling through Cricklade High Street, Purton High Street, and surrounding areas on June 30, to come forward.
Witnesses can contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 54260078318.