Woman, 47, dies after car crashes into wall as police arrest man, 61, on suspicion of murder

Published: 09:13 EDT, 20 October 2026 | Updated: 09:15 EDT, 20 October 2026 A 61-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman who crashed her car into a wall died in hospital.Police said the woman, 47, from North Cornelly, Bridgend, was taken to hospital, where she later died, following the crash in Coity at around 12:43pm on Monday.However, the force said she had suffered injuries 'unrelated' to the crash. The area was subsequently cordoned off, and officers evacuated a building. Locals reported seeing a large police presence, including riot vans and armed officers, adding that residents were asked to 'sign in and out' of their homes.Police and forensics were seen outside a sheltered housing retirement complex, Ger-y-Nant. One resident commented that the community had 'never had anything like this.' Locals reported seeing a large police presence, including riot vans and armed officers, adding that residents were asked to 'sign in and out' of their homes Police said the woman, 47, from North Cornelly, Bridgend, was taken to hospital, where she later died, following the crash in Coity Police and forensics were seen outside a sheltered housing retirement complex, Ger-y-NantChief Superintendent Jason Rees said: 'A man is now in custody following a significant policing operation in Ger-y-nant overnight.'This is a deeply distressing incident, and our thoughts are with the victim's family, and everyone affected. 'We thank the local community for their support, which has resulted in an arrest with no further injuries sustained.'We thank those displaced from their homes overnight for their co-operation at a worrying time as we support them in returning home.'We thank the local community for their co-operation as our investigation continues.'A statement from South Wales Police said: 'Officers were called to Coity Road, Bridgend at around 12.43pm yesterday (Monday, October 19) following a report of a road traffic collision, wherein a car had collided with a wall.'Upon attendance, officers identified that the driver had sustained injuries unrelated to the collision.'Despite medical attention, the driver, a 47-year-old woman from North Cornelly, has died at hospital. 'Her family has been informed, though formal identification has yet to take place.'Following a significant policing operation in the area of nearby Ger-y-Nant, a 61-year-old man from Bridgend has been arrested on suspicion of murder. 'He is currently in police custody.'