Wiltshire Police have arrested two Ambulance Service workers on suspicion of Gross Negligence Manslaughter in connection with the deaths of six adults, following a two-year investigation.
The arrests relate to incidents involving patients in and around Wiltshire, with the probe launched after a report was made to the force in 2023.
A man in his 30s from West Wiltshire, understood to be a paramedic based at Trowbridge Ambulance Station, was arrested in June 2024 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, believed to be an Emergency Care Assistant at the same station, was arrested in March this year on suspicion of Gross Negligence Manslaughter.
Both individuals, who were employed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), have been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
The arrests relate to incidents involving patients in and around Wiltshire, with the probe launched after a report was made to the force in 2023.
A man in his 30s from West Wiltshire, understood to be a paramedic based at Trowbridge Ambulance Station, was arrested in June 2024 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, believed to be an Emergency Care Assistant at the same station, was arrested in March this year on suspicion of Gross Negligence Manslaughter.
Both individuals, who were employed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), have been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, from Wiltshire Police's Major Crime Investigation Team
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, from Wiltshire Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said:
"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.
"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."
"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.
"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."
DCI Walker added that dozens of Ambulance Service staff have been interviewed as part of the investigation.
SWASFT confirmed that it became aware of concerns and immediately launched an internal investigation, leading to a prompt referral to the police.
SWASFT confirmed that it became aware of concerns and immediately launched an internal investigation, leading to a prompt referral to the police.
A spokesperson for the NHS 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 ongoing 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."
"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 ongoing 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."
In a confidential internal email to staff, SWASFT explained that the probe followed a concern raised by the NHS Trust to Wiltshire Police, resulting in the immediate suspension of one member of staff and their subsequent dismissal, followed by the suspension of a second.
The email reiterated that the suspensions ensured the individuals were relieved of all patient-facing duties.
The NHS Trust, which covers the South West region, was last rated 'good' overall by the Care Quality Commission watchdog.
Police have only now released details of the arrests and investigation, which has been described as relating to an 'isolated incident' by SWASFT.
No charges have been brought at this stage, and the investigation remains active.
The email reiterated that the suspensions ensured the individuals were relieved of all patient-facing duties.
The NHS Trust, which covers the South West region, was last rated 'good' overall by the Care Quality Commission watchdog.
Police have only now released details of the arrests and investigation, which has been described as relating to an 'isolated incident' by SWASFT.
No charges have been brought at this stage, and the investigation remains active.
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