Man, 76, held on suspicion of administering poison to children at summer camp

Watchdog investigating ‘delay’ in police response to incident

- GEORGE LITHGOW

A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison at a summer camp, which led to eight children being taken to hospital.

Police responded to a report of children feeling unwell at the camp in the village of Stathern, Leicestershire, on Sunday.

A triage centre was set up at a nearby village hall, and eight children were taken to hospital as a precaution and have all since been discharged, Leicestershire Police said.

The man was arrested at a nearby public house on Monday evening, police said. He remains in custody where he is being held on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy.

Officers have contacted the parents or guardians of those who were taken to hospital, the force added. The incident is believed to have happened at Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse with a sports hall and catering facilities.

A police cordon is in place on Canal Lane just outside the small village.