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

A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison after children fell ill at a summer camp in Leicestershire.

Police said an investigation was under way after eight children at the camp at Stathern Lodge were taken to hospital on Sunday. All have since been discharged.

Officers had gone to the camp, in Canal Lane, with East Midlands Ambulance Service after receiving reports about the children feeling unwell.

The arrested man was detained on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy. He remains in custody.

Leicestershire Police said the investigation was now being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit's major incident team.

"This is to allow a full and thorough investigation to take place with dedicated resources," a spokesperson said.

Officers remain in Stathern on Thursday, carrying out further inquiries and providing reassurance to families affected.

The police watchdog has confirmed it is looking into the force's handling of the incident.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesperson said it received a "conduct referral" on Tuesday from the force "relating to their handling of concerns passed to them over the wellbeing of a group of children".

"Our assessment team has examined all available evidence and concluded the matter should be independently investigated by the IOPC," they said.

"The investigation will look at whether there were any breaches of professional behaviour - namely a failure to carry out duties and responsibilities - that resulted in a delay in Leicestershire Police's response to what was later declared a critical incident."

Det Insp Neil Holden, the senior investigating officer, added: "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.

"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."

Local MP Ed Argar, Conservative member for Melton and Syston, described the reports as "clearly shocking" and "deeply concerning".

"Our thoughts are with the young people affected, wishing them a full recovery," he said.

"While, understandably, people will have a lot of questions about what has happened, it is important we remember this is a live police criminal investigation, so I would caution against people speculating while the police do that work.

"I would, however, encourage the police to provide as much information publicly as they can, as soon as they can, but without prejudicing that vital investigation."