Two ambulance service workers have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter as part of a two-year police investigation into six deaths in Wiltshire.
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.
While a woman, 59, was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
The pair have been released on bail while enquiries continue, Wiltshire Police said.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust confirmed it has suspended two members of staff and said the deaths were an ‘isolated incident’.
A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘As soon as the Trust became aware of any concerns, we immediately initiated an internal investigation which resulted in a prompt police referral, and we have been working closely with them as part of the ongoing investigation.
‘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 on-going risk to patients. Please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
‘One of the two individuals that were initially suspended, is no longer employed by the Trust.
‘Due to the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this stage.’
Two ambulance service workers have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter as part of a two-year police investigation into six deaths in Wiltshire
DCI Phil Walker of the Major Crime Investigation Team at Wiltshire Police said: ‘We have arrested a man in his 30s from West Wiltshire on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker.
‘In addition, we have arrested a 59-year-old woman on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
‘Both have been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.’
He added: ‘We can confirm that a major investigation is underway relating to several adult deaths in and around Wiltshire.
‘This investigation has been ongoing since an initial report was made to Wiltshire Police in 2023 and detailed enquiries have been undertaken since to ascertain the facts.
‘In June 2024, we arrested a man in his 30s from West Wiltshire on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker.
‘In addition, in March this year, we arrested a 59-year-old woman on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
‘Both have been released on conditional bail while our enquiries continue.
‘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.’
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