A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison at a summer camp in Stathern which led to eight children being taken to hospital, Leicestershire Police said
A 76-year-old man has been arrested after eight children were rushed to hospital after becoming ill at a summer camp.
Police received a report of children feeling unwell at a summer camp in Canal Lane, Stathern, on Monday and paramedics rushed to the scene with the kids taken to hospital. The suspect was arrested at the camp and remains in custody, where is being held on suspicion of administering poison. The eight who were taken to hospital as a precaution have all been discharged.
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”.
The full statement from the police reads: “An investigation is taking place in Stathern following a report of several children feeling unwell. On Monday (28 July), a report was received by Leicestershire Police concerning children feeling unwell at a summer camp in Canal Lane. The report was made by a third party.
“Following the report, officers were deployed along with the East Midlands Ambulance Service to safeguard those children concerned. A triage centre was set up in partnership with the East Midlands Ambulance Service at Plungar village hall to assess all children present at the camp. Following an initial assessment, eight children were taken to hospital as a precaution and have all since been discharged.
“Officers have contacted the parents or guardians of those children who were taken to hospital. A 76-year-old man was arrested at the camp on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy. He remains in custody at this time.
“The investigation is now being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Major Incident Team (MIT). This is to allow a full and thorough investigation to take place with dedicated resources.
“Both detectives and uniformed officers from the Melton and Rutland Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) remain in Stathern today carrying out further enquiries and to establish the circumstances of the incident as well as providing reassurance to families affected as well as the local community.”