Murder charge following collision near Royal Wootton Bassett

A man has been charged with murder following a road traffic collision near Royal Wootton Bassett.

It happened at around 6.05pm on 30 June 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 declared dead at the scene.

Following extensive enquiries by the Wiltshire Police Major Crime Investigation Team, a man has now been charged.

Anthony Howells, 43, of Reids Piece, Purton, has been charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop at a road traffic collision and failing to provide.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court this morning - 6 July.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: "This is a significant development in our investigation, and I would like to thank the local community who have provided information to us.

"I would like to apologise for the confusion regarding the direction of travel of the vehicles on the B4696 in our earlier appeals. 

"This detail has been corrected but, for clarity, the Peugeot 107 was travelling south-bound towards Royal Wootton Bassett, and the Vauxhall Astra was travelling northbound towards Cricklade.  

"I'd like to repeat my appeal for witnesses with dash-cam in the Lydiard Plain area of the B4696 and in the areas of Cricklade High Street and Purton High Street on June 30.

"Finally, 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.”