Two ambulance service workers arrested as police launch major probe into six deaths

Two ambulance service workers have been arrested as part of a major investigation into six deaths in Wiltshire, according to police. An invesigation was launched after Wiltshire Police was first contacted in 2023.

The force said in a statement on Friday that detailed enquiries have been carried out since to "ascertain the facts". Wiltshire Police said a man in his 30s from west Wiltshire was arrested in June last year on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker. A 59-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

Both have been released on conditional bail while police enquiries continue. Both the man and woman were employed by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT).

Det Ch Insp Phil Walker from the Major Crime Investigation Team at Wiltshire Police said: "Our focus is on supporting the families and loved ones of those who have died, and we would ask the media to respect their privacy at this time."

A spokesperson for SWASFT said as soon as the Trust became aware of concerns it immediately launched an internal investigation which resulted in a "prompt" police referral.

They added the Trust and police have been working together as part of the ongoing investigation.

A spokesperson for the Trust said in a statement: "Two members of staff were suspended. The suspension of the two members of staff meant that they were immediately relieved of all duties, including the treatment of patients.

"We would like to reassure people that this is an isolated situation and there is no ongoing risk to patients. Please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency."

They said one of the two people who were initially suspended is no longer employed by the Trust, without confirming which one.

The spokesperson added: "Due to the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this stage."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police. The force said: "It would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."