Man, 76, arrested on suspicion of poisoning children at summer camp

A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison at a summer camp which led to eight children being taken to hospital, police said.

Leicestershire Police said it received reports of children feeling unwell at a summer camp in Canal Lane, Stathern, Leicestershire, on Sunday. The force said paramedics assessed eight children, who were taken to hospital as a precaution and have all now been discharged.

The suspect was arrested at a nearby pub on Monday evening and remains in custody on suspicion of administering poison with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy. East Midlands Ambulance Service said it received a call reporting a medical emergency at a private address at around 4pm on Monday, the day after Leicestershire Police said it was contacted.

"We sent a number of resources including four paramedics in ambulance cars, 10 crewed ambulances and responders from the air ambulance were also in attendance," a statement from the ambulance service continued. It said nine patients were transported to a nearby medical centre.

Leicestershire Police said it has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over what it said was the "circumstances of the initial police response". This morning, there has been police activity outside Stathern Lodge in the village's Canal Lane.

Detective Inspector Neil Holden said: "We understand the concern this incident will have caused to parents, guardians and the surrounding community. "We are in contact with the parents and guardians of all children concerned.

"Please be reassured that we have several dedicated resources deployed and are working with partner agencies including children's services to ensure full safeguarding is provided to the children involved. "We also remain at the scene to carry out enquiries into the circumstances of what has happened and to continue to provide advice and support in the area.

"This is a complex and sensitive investigation and we will continue to provide updates to both parents and guardians and the public as and when we can.".