WILTSHIRE, England (BN24) Two ambulance workers have been arrested in connection with the deaths of six people in Wiltshire, police confirmed Thursday. The investigation, launched by Wiltshire Police in 2023, has led to charges related to gross negligence manslaughter and care worker neglect.
A man in his 30s was initially arrested in 2023 on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker. In March of this year, a 59-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Both individuals have since been released on bail pending further investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker of Wiltshire Police said the focus of the inquiry remains on supporting the families and loved ones of the deceased. “We would ask the media to respect their privacy at this time,” Walker added in a statement.
In response to the arrests, a spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust issued a statement saying that an internal investigation was launched immediately after concerns were raised. The Trust referred the matter to the police, and two members of staff were suspended. “The suspension meant that the two individuals were relieved of all duties, including patient treatment,” the spokesperson said.
The Trust also reassured the public that the incident was an isolated case, stressing that there is no ongoing risk to patients. “Please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency,” the statement added.
One of the staff members who had been suspended is no longer employed by the Trust, according to the spokesperson. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further comments will be made at this time.
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