A 52-year-old woman from Newcastle has been arrested in connection with a fatal collision on the A1(M) near Barton in which a 22-year-old woman died.
North Yorkshire Police said the woman was arrested on suspicion of encouraging or assisting the commission of an assault offence. She has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The investigation relates to a collision on Sunday 4 October 2026, in which Elena Chiriac, 22, from Newcastle, died.
The collision happened at approximately 6.10pm on the southbound carriageway of the A1(M), between Junction 57 and Junction 56 near Barton. It involved a silver Ford Transit and a silver Volkswagen Golf, both travelling southbound.
A 31-year-old man from Newcastle has been charged with murder, attempted grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving.
A 25-year-old man from Newcastle has also been charged with encouraging or assisting the commission of assault offences, believing that one or more would be carried out.
A 24-year-old man previously arrested in connection with the investigation has been released with no further action.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Elena’s death and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw either vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision, or who witnessed the collision itself.
Anyone with information can upload it to the Major Incident Public Portal, selecting the North Yorkshire Police tile. Information can also be provided through the live chat facility on the North Yorkshire Police website, available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Anyone unable to use these options can call police on 101, quoting reference 12260195308.