South Western Ambulance workers arrested after six people die

Two ambulance workers have been arrested over the deaths of six adults, Wiltshire Police have said.

The investigation was launched in 2023 and last year a man in his 30s, from West Wiltshire, was arrested 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 in March this year. Police have only released details of the investigation and arrests now.

Wiltshire Police said the two South Western Ambulance Service workers have been released on bail.

“We can confirm a major investigation is under way relating to several adult deaths in and around Wiltshire,” said Det Ch Insp Phil Walker from the force’s major crime team.

“This investigation has been ongoing since an initial report was made to Wiltshire Police in 2023 and detailed inquiries have been undertaken since to ascertain the facts,” he added.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said it started an internal investigation as soon as it became aware of concerns and had since been “working closely” with police as part of the ongoing investigation.

The service said the two members of staff were “immediately relieved of all duties, including the treatment of patients,” adding that one of the individuals is no longer employed by the trust.

“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,” the spokesperson added.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the offence of gross negligence manslaughter requires the breach of an existing duty of care, which gives rise to a serious and obvious risk of death.