A mother who died earlier this week following a car crash in South Wales was a housing association worker, police have confirmed, as they said some of her injuries were not sustained in the collision.

The family of Eleanor Barnfield have paid an emotional tribute to the 47-year-old from Bridgend, describing her as “the most loving bravest person in the world”, after a man was arrested on suspicion of her murder.

Ms Barnfield died in hospital after her car crashed into a wall on Coity Road in the town on Monday afternoon.

South Wales Police stated she had sustained “puncture wounds” which were not related to the crash.

They have now arrested a 61-year-old man, also from Bridgend, on suspicion of murder following a probe around Ger-y-Nant, which is owned by the Valleys to Coast housing association, where Ms Barnfield worked.

South Wales Police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder (AFP/Getty)

In a tribute issued through police, Ms Barnfield’s family said: “Mum was the kindest, most loving bravest…