KIDS CAMP 'POISON' ARREST

8 taken to hospital from Christian summer retreat

- DAN WARBURTON and SASKIA ROWLANDS

A PENSIONER has been arrested on suspicion of poisoning after eight children at a Christian summer camp fell ill and were taken to hospital.

The 76-year-old man, held in a nearby pub car park, was last night being quizzed in custody by police.

Locals told of their shock over the suspected poisonings at a Christian summer camp, described as a retreat for disadvantaged kids.

Eight children had been taken to hospital after becoming unwell. All of the youngsters were yesterday discharged but cops remained in the rural area as investigations continued.

Residents said the holiday camp is typically used by children on subsidised or free holidays who come from socially and economically deprived or disadvantaged city areas.

Last night one resident, a mum of two, added: "It is shocking and very upsetting.