Two ambulance trust workers have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following the deaths of six people.
Wiltshire Police launched an investigation in 2023 and last year arrested a man, aged in his 30s, 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 also arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
The pair were employed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT).
They remain on conditional bail, police said.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, from the force'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 inquiries 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,” Mr Walker added.
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The pair worked for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (file photo)
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A SWASFT spokesman 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.
Wiltshire Police said it launched an investigation in 2023
| PA“Please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency. One of the two individuals who were initially suspended is no longer employed by the trust.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this stage.”
The trust’s last inspection by the watchdog Care Quality Commission found the organisation to be “good”.
The report stated: “Our rating of the trust improved. We rated it as good overall because: Caring was rated as outstanding.
“Effective, responsive and well-led were rated as good.
“Both effective and well-led improved from requires improvement at our 2016 inspection with responsive remaining as good.
“Well-led at trust level was rated as good. However, safe remained as requires improvement.”