- Eight children hospitalised after falling ill at a summer camp in Leicestershire
- 76-year-old man arrested for allegedly administering poison
- Police say children have been discharged, investigation ongoing
A 76-year-old man has been arrested following a suspected poisoning incident at a children’s summer camp in Leicestershire, United Kingdom, that left eight children hospitalised.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the incident occurred at a camp located on Canal Lane in the Stathern area, where Leicestershire Police received an emergency call about multiple children suddenly falling ill.
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Paramedics from the East Midlands Ambulance Service rushed to the scene and set up a triage centre to evaluate all children at the camp. Eight of them were later transported to the hospital as a precaution. They have since been discharged.
In a statement on Thursday, the police confirmed the arrest of the elderly man on suspicion of “administering poison or a noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy.” He remains in police custody while investigations continue.
Detective Inspector Neil Holden, who is leading the case, acknowledged the distress the situation may have caused to families and reassured the public that safeguarding measures were in place.
“We are in contact with the parents and guardians of all children concerned,” Holden said. “Please be reassured that we have several dedicated resources deployed and are working with partner agencies, including children’s services, to ensure full safeguarding.”
He added that uniformed officers would remain at the scene to support the affected families and the wider Stathern community.
The case has now been handed over to the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Major Incident Team, with additional support from the Melton and Rutland Neighbourhood Policing Area.
In a further development, Leicestershire Police disclosed that they have made a formal referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This referral concerns the “circumstances of the initial police response,” though details were not disclosed.
A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has also been launched to gather information from the public as detectives piece together what transpired.
Authorities say the investigation is “complex and sensitive” and that updates will be provided to families and the public when appropriate.
This incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols at children’s camps across the UK, with many parents now calling for stricter background checks and enhanced supervision standards.
