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Two employees of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) have been arrested as part of a major investigation into the deaths of six people in Wiltshire, UK, police confirmed.
The probe, launched in 2023, has already led to several arrests and remains ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker of Wiltshire Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team said:
“The 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.”
As part of the inquiry, a man in his 30s 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. In March 2025, a 59-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Both have been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.
Walker added:
“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.”
A SWASFT spokesperson said the trust immediately launched an internal investigation and referred the matter to police once concerns were raised.
“Two members of staff were suspended and immediately relieved of all duties, including the treatment of patients,” the statement said, adding that one of those individuals is no longer employed by the trust.
The trust stressed the case is an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing risk to patients.
“Please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency,” the spokesperson urged.
The Care Quality Commission’s most recent inspection rated SWASFT as “good” overall, highlighting “outstanding” levels of care, though safety procedures were rated as “requires improvement.” The trust said it remains committed to patient safety and is fully cooperating with the investigation.
