Two former employees of the South Western Ambulance Service have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after six adults died in Wiltshire. Police confirmed the arrests were made following a major investigation that began in 2023.
Wiltshire Police said a man in his 30s from West Wiltshire was first 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.
The force revealed details of the investigation publicly for the first time this week. Both suspects, who worked for the South Western Ambulance Service, have since been released on bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, from Wiltshire Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We can confirm a major investigation is under way relating to several adult deaths in and around Wiltshire. Our focus is on supporting the families and loved ones of those who have died.”
Ambulance service response
The South Western Ambulance Service said it launched an internal inquiry as soon as concerns were raised and suspended the workers from all patient duties. One of the individuals is no longer employed by the trust.
A spokesperson said: “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.”
Background and legal context
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), gross negligence manslaughter occurs when a duty of care is breached, leading to a serious and obvious risk of death.
The South Western Ambulance Service was last inspected in 2022 by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and rated as “good” overall, with an “outstanding” score for care. However, inspectors said its emergency and urgent care services still required improvement.
This latest case has raised wider concerns over patient safety in the UK’s ambulance services, with calls for more stringent oversight and accountability in critical care.
