We can confirm that a fatal collision on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett on Tuesday evening (30/06) is now being treated as a murder investigation.

The collision occurred at around 6.05pm on the B4696 between Brinkworth Road and Lydiard Plain and involved an orange Peugeot 107 travelling southbound and a black Vauxhall Astra travelling northbound.

The driver of the Peugeot, a woman in her 70s, was sadly declared dead at the scene. 

A passenger in the Vauxhall, a teenage girl, suffered serious injuries in the collision. She has now been released from hospital. 

Following an initial investigation, the driver of the Vauxhall, a man aged 43, was today (04/07) further arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

The investigation has been named Operation Fern and is now being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT). 

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker from MCIT said: 

“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.

I appreciate this update may increase community concern, however please be reassured that there is no risk to the wider public and we are working to piece together the events which led to this tragic incident.

We remain keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone who might have dash cam footage from the area of the collision at the time. In addition, any witnesses who have dash cam footage of a Black Vauxhall Astra from Cricklade High Street, Purton High Street, and surrounding areas on Tuesday 30^th June 2026.”