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South Western Ambulance workers arrested after six people die | South Western Ambulance workers arrested after six people die |
(32 minutes later) | |
South Western Ambulance Service said it suspended the workers when it became aware of concerns | |
Two ambulance workers have been arrested over the deaths of six adults, 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. | 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. | 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. |
The two South Western Ambulance Service workers have been released on bail, Wiltshire Police said. | |
"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. | "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. |
"Our focus is on supporting the families and loved ones of those who have died," he added. | |
Det Ch Insp Walker said the investigation has been ongoing since an initial report in 2023. The man in his 30s was arrested in June 2024. | |
"Detailed inquiries have been undertaken since to ascertain the facts," he added. | |
'Isolated situation' | 'Isolated situation' |
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. | |
The service said the two workers were "immediately relieved of all duties, including the treatment of patients," adding 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. | "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. | |
South Western Ambulance Service was most recently inspected by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission in 2022 and was rated as "good", having made improvements since previous inspections. | |
The trust was rated as "outstanding" for care and "good" for its response times, effectiveness and leadership. | |
Its emergency and urgent care services was rated as requiring improvement. | |
Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. | Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. |