Pet shop owner's death in car crash treated as murder - as tributes paid to 'caring, vibrant lady'
Barbara Mullaney, who ran Animal Fayre in Cricklade, Wiltshire, was killed in a head-on road collision on June 30
The death of a "caring and vibrant" pet shop owner in a car crash is being treated as murder.
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Barbara Mullaney, who ran Animal Fayre in Cricklade, Wiltshire, was killed in a head-on road collision on June 30 at 6.05pm.
The businesswoman, who was in her seventies, was driving an orange Peugeot when she was involved in the collision with a black Vauxhall Astra on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett.
She died instantly at the scene.
A 43-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
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Wiltshire police said he has now been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
A teenage girl who was a passenger in the suspect's car was seriously injured and taken to hospital before being discharged.
The male driver was also treated in hospital before he was taken into custody.
Tributes have poured in for to Ms Mullaney, with one person describing her as "such a lovely, caring vibrant lady" who "always had time for a chat.
"She will be greatly missed. RIP Barbara.”
One family member thanked the community for 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.”
Wiltshire Police has made a compulsory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previous involvement with the suspect.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: "Following initial enquiries, I can confirm this collision is now being treated as a murder investigation and the suspect has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
"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."