Ambulance Workers Arrested After Six People Die

Two ambulance workers person been arrested complete nan deaths of six adults, constabulary person said.

The investigation was launched successful 2023 and past twelvemonth a man successful his 30s, from West Wiltshire, was arrested connected suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and 4 counts of ill-treatment aliases wilful neglect by a attraction worker.

A 59-year-old female was besides arrested connected suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter successful March this year. Police person only released specifications of nan investigation and arrests now.

The 2 South Western Ambulance Service workers person been released connected bail, Wiltshire Police said.

"We tin corroborate a awesome investigation is nether measurement relating to respective big deaths successful and astir Wiltshire," said Det Ch Insp Phil Walker from nan force's awesome crime team.

"Our attraction is connected supporting nan families and loved ones of those who person died," he added.

Det Ch Insp Walker said nan investigation has been ongoing since an first study successful 2023. The man successful his 30s was arrested successful June 2024.

"Detailed inquiries person been undertaken since to ascertain nan facts," he added.

A spokesperson for nan ambulance work said it started an soul investigation arsenic soon arsenic it became alert of concerns and had since been "working closely" pinch police.

The work said nan 2 workers were "immediately relieved of each duties, including nan curen of patients," adding 1 of nan individuals is nary longer employed by nan trust.

"We would for illustration to reassure group that this is an isolated business and location is nary ongoing consequence to patients. Please proceed to telephone 999 successful a life-threatening emergency," nan spokesperson added.

According to nan Crown Prosecution Service, nan offence of gross negligence manslaughter requires nan breach of an existing work of care, which gives emergence to a superior and evident consequence of death.

South Western Ambulance Service was astir precocious inspected by wellness watchdog nan Care Quality Commission successful 2022 and was rated arsenic "good", having made improvements since erstwhile inspections.

The spot was rated arsenic "outstanding" for attraction and "good" for its consequence times, effectiveness and leadership.

Its emergency and urgent attraction services was rated arsenic requiring improvement.