Tributes to pet shop owner amid murder probe

Tributes to pet shop owner amid murder probeImage source, PA MediaImage caption, Tributes have been left outside Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade after its owner Barbara Mullaney diedByBeth CruseReporting fromWest of EnglandPublished5 July 2026, 12:58 BSTUpdated 2 hours agoTributes have been paid to a pet shop owner who died in a car crash police are investigating as murder.Barbara Mullaney, who was in her 70s and owned Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade, has been named locally as the woman who died in a crash on the B4696, near Royal Wotton Bassett in Wiltshire, on Tuesday.A 43-year-old man has been held on suspicion of murder. He was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, after the teenage passenger in his car suffered serious injuries in the collision.Wiltshire Police said they had received a number of calls relating to the suspect prior to the collision and had made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.St Sampsons Church in Cricklade, Wiltshire, said Mullaney was a "light of kindness and care for owners and their pets".The church has invited people to light a candle for the town's "much-loved pet shop lady"."Our thoughts and prayers are for her dear family and friends," it added.More Wiltshire storiesPatients struggle to get vital medicines amid shortagesPublished10 hours agoCyclist in his 20s dies after crash involving vanPublished6 hours agoIn pictures: Tom Jones, 'singing pirates' and a Strawberry MoonPublished10 hours agoDozens of flowers and messages have been left outside the front of Mullaney's pet shop.One said: "We offer our condolences, Auntie Barb was such a lovely, caring vibrant lady. Always had time for a chat. She will be greatly missed."Another said Mullaney "was loved by so many"."May she be remembered always in our hearts with love," it added.Local dog walking business Purton Pet Pals also posted a tribute to Mullaney on socia...