Wiltshire saw 15 deaths and major crimes over summer

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 05:59 · Archive

Wiltshire experienced more than 15 deaths and a series of high-profile crimes over the summer months, with multiple major incidents occurring within a short timeframe that appeared to stretch Wiltshire Police's resources.

The deaths included NHS nurse Sarah Crook and an alleged murder of Cricklade pet shop owner Barbara Mullaney. A motorcyclist named Michal also died during this period, along with a 46-year-old man found on Swindon's Old Town Railway Path. All four deaths occurred within just four weeks.

Violent crimes accompanied the deaths. In July, a Swindon building site was shut off following the alleged attempted murder of a labourer who was attacked with a screwdriver. A week later, police conducted a widespread containment operation after the shooting of Jimmy Ward in the travelling community, fearing reprisals. Two days after that, police cordoned off an area in Highworth to investigate the attempted murder of a pensioner.

The concentration of serious incidents raised concerns about the toll on police officers. According to Wiltshire Police deputy chief Mark Cooper, a high number of fatalities in a short period of time is understandably worrying for members of the community. The cluster of large-scale incidents appeared to have had a substantial logistical impact on the force and its officers.

How it is being reported

• 15 deaths and several major criminal scenes: How did police cope this summer?Over the summer months, the Swindon Advertiser reported on more than 15 tragic deaths in Wiltshire.Gazette & Herald · 25 Oct, 05:28
• 15 deaths and several major criminal scenes: How did police cope this summer?Over the summer months, the Swindon Advertiser reported on more than 15 tragic deaths in Wiltshire.Swindon Advertiser · 25 Oct, 05:28
• 15 deaths and several major criminal scenes: How did police cope this summer?Over the summer months, the Swindon Advertiser reported on more than 15 tragic deaths in Wiltshire.This Is Wiltshire · 25 Oct, 05:28
• 15 deaths and several major criminal scenes: How did police cope this summer?Over the summer months, the Swindon Advertiser reported on more than 15 tragic deaths in Wiltshire.Wiltshire Times · 25 Oct, 05:28

In this story: Sarah Crook · Barbara Mullaney · Michal · Jimmy Ward · Mark Cooper · Wiltshire Police · Wiltshire · Swindon

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem