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Driver arrested on suspicion of murder after fatal crash between two cars

A crash between two cars, in which an elderly woman died, is now being treated as murder, police say.

The collision involved an orange Peugeot 107 and a black Vauxhall Astra on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire earlier this week.

A 43-year-old man, who was the driver of the Vauxhall, was taken to hospital for treatment following the crash and has now been taken into custody for questioning.

Wiltshire Police initially said he was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

But he has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, the force said.

The Peugeot was travelling northbound while the Vauxhall was going southbound when the crash happened at around 6.05pm on Tuesday 30 June.

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

A teenage girl, who was a passenger in the Vauxhall, suffered serious injuries in the collision and was taken to hospital, where she remains.

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 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."

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Police want to hear from any witnesses or anyone who might have dashcam footage from the collision area at the time of the incident.

Officers would also like any witnesses to contact them who have dashcam footage of a black Vauxhall Astra from Cricklade High Street, Purton High Street, and surrounding areas on Tuesday 30 June.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Driver arrested on suspicion of murder after fatal crash between two cars

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