Police officers investigated over camp abuse response

Two police officers and three staff members are under gross misconduct investigation over the response to safeguarding concerns at a summer camp where children were given sweets laced with tranquilliser, with some sexually abused.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said Nottinghamshire Police received concerns for the safety of children at Stathern Lodge just before 19:00 BST on 27 July 2025, which was passed on to Leicestershire Police.

The IOPC has notified a number of officers and staff members from both forces that they are under investigation.

Two Leicestershire Police officers and three staff members are under gross misconduct investigation, the IOPC said, "for allegedly failing to review the information passed via Nottinghamshire Police, not progressing safeguarding concerns promptly and if this may have delayed officers going to Stathern Lodge".

Meanwhile, two Nottinghamshire Police staff members have also been served with gross misconduct notices "over the grading of the initial call made to the force, how information from the call was risk assessed and managed, and if this caused any delay to the police response".

The IOPC investigation, which focused on the events between the initial call to police and officers attending, follows a referral from Leicestershire Police on 29 July.

IOPC director Emily Barry said: "We know that this incident has caused shock and distress, particularly to the children and families directly affected.

"Our initial inquiries have expanded significantly and we are now looking at the way both Nottinghamshire Police and Leicestershire Police responded to the very serious concerns raised about the children who were staying at Stathern Lodge last summer."

Barry said the IOPC had gathered "relevant documentation" about policies and procedures for both forces, obtained statements and identified witnesses.

Ruben, a former vet, teacher and summer camp leader, used the "cloak of Christianity" to carry out his attacks on vulnerable children, Leicester Crown Court heard.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, also drugged his wife Susan to ensure she would not wake up while the abuse took place.

A number of upset and angry parents of the victims also gave emotional testimony, with some swearing at Ruben as he was sentenced.

Assistant Chief Constable James Avery, of Leicestershire Police, said its focus "continues to remain on the victims involved in this investigation and their families".

He added: "An independent IOPC investigation remains ongoing and we continue to co-operate with the IOPC as part of this."

A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Police added: "The investigation is being led by the IOPC and therefore we are unable to comment at this stage."

The IOPC said its inquiry followed a referral from Leicestershire Police on 29 July, and the watchdog's decision to investigate.

It added based on information given at the time from Nottinghamshire Police, the IOPC did not consider that a referral from that force was necessary.

However, following an internal review - which Nottinghamshire Police shared with the IOPC - it advised the force that a referral should be made.

The referral was made in November, and the investigation into Nottinghamshire Police began the following month.