Ambulance worker arrested on two further neglect charges

An ambulance worker released on bail in connection with the deaths of six adults has been arrested on suspicion of two further offences, police say.

The 35-year-old man, from west Wiltshire, is facing two further counts of wilful neglect by a care worker.

He was previously arrested in September on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker. He remains on conditional bail.

A 60-year-old woman who was previously arrested in connection with the same investigation remains on conditional bail. Both individuals were previously employed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT).

The pair were arrested in connection with Operation Willow, a major investigation into the death of several adults within a healthcare setting in the Wiltshire area.

They were immediately suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation and are no longer employed by the trust.

A spokesperson for the SWASFT said: "As soon as the trust became aware of any concerns, we immediately launched an internal investigation which resulted in a prompt police referral, and we continue to work closely with Wiltshire Police as part of their ongoing investigation.

"We would like to reassure communities that there is no on-going risk to patients. Please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

"Due to the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this stage."