Man charged with murder after car crash

A man has been charged with murder after a woman died in a collision.

Anthony Howells, 43, of Reids Piece, Purton, is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court later charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop at a collision and failing to provide a specimen.

The charges relate to a crash on the B4696 between Brinkworth Road and Lydiard Plain in Wiltshire, at about 18:05 BST on Tuesday. A woman in her 70s - named locally as pet shop owner Barbara Mullaney - died at the scene.

Wiltshire Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact.

A spokesperson for the force said Mullaney had been travelling southbound when her orange Peugeot 107 collided with a black Vauxhall Astra travelling northbound.

A teenage girl who was a passenger in the Vauxhall Astra was taken to hospital, but has since been discharged, they added.

On Saturday, St Sampson's Church in Cricklade paid tribute to Mullaney, who ran a pet shop in the town, describing her as "much-loved".

Residents also left dozens of floral tributes and messages outside the front of her shop on the town's High Street.

Det Ch Insp Phil Walker said the charges were a "significant development" in the investigation.

"I would like to again extend my condolences to the family and friends of the victim and thank them for their patience and dignity during this early stage of the investigation," he added.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has relevant dashcam footage, has been asked to contact Wiltshire Police.

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