Man, 76, arrested over 'administering poison' at summer camp in Leicestershire

A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison after eight children at a summer camp were taken to hospital, Leicestershire Police said.

Police received a report of children feeling unwell at a summer camp in Canal Lane, Stathern, on Monday, and paramedics assessed all the children involved.

The eight who were taken to hospital as a precaution have all been discharged.

The suspect was arrested at the camp and remains in custody, where he is being held on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy.

Detective inspector Neil Holden, the senior investigating officer, 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.”

The force 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”.