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Woman, 52, arrested in murder investigation following fatal A1(M) crash

Woman, 52, arrested in murder investigation following fatal A1(M) crash

A 52-year-old woman has become the latest person to be arrested in connection with a fatal crash on the A1(M) which left a 22-year-old woman dead and a man facing a murder charge.

A 52-year-old woman from Newcastle has been arrested on suspicion of encouraging or assisting the commission of an assault offence following the death of Elena Chiriac.

Elena, 22, also from Newcastle, died following a crash involving two vehicles on the A1(M) near Barton on Sunday (Oct 4).

North Yorkshire Police confirmed the woman has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The latest arrest comes after two men were charged in connection with the incident, including a 31-year-old man from Newcastle who has been charged with murder, attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) and dangerous driving.

A 25-year-old man, also from Newcastle, who was arrested on Friday (Oct 9), has been charged with encouraging or assisting the commission of assault offences, believing that one or more would be carried out.

A1(M) in the Barton area, between junctions 57 and 56

A further man, aged 24, who was arrested following the crash, has been released with no further action.

The crash happened at approximately 6.10pm on Sunday (Oct 4) on the southbound carriageway of the A1(M), between junctions 57 and 56 near Barton.

It involved a silver Ford Transit and a silver Volkswagen Golf, both of which were travelling southbound.

Emergency services attended, but Elena was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her identity was confirmed by police on Monday (Oct 12), with specialist officers continuing to support her family.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and have renewed their appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from motorists who saw either vehicle in the moments leading up to the crash or witnessed the incident itself.

A spoesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police using one of the following methods:

“If you are unable to use these options, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can provide information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

“Please quote reference 12260195308 when providing information.”