Police probe chilling poisoning as 76-year-old man arrested after children fall ill at summer camp

An elderly man has been arrested on suspicion of poisoning children at a summer camp in rural Leicestershire, after eight young attendees were rushed to hospital in a deeply disturbing turn of events.

The 76-year-old was detained on Monday evening, following a callout to Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse offering youth accommodation and recreational facilities. Emergency services had initially responded the previous day, Sunday 27 July, after several children at the site complained of feeling unwell.

Leicestershire Police confirmed the man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison or a noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy. Officers located him at a nearby public house, where he was taken into custody. He remains under investigation.

All eight affected children were assessed at the scene by East Midlands Ambulance Service before being transported to hospital. Authorities later confirmed they had all been discharged following precautionary checks.

A large police cordon now surrounds the property as detectives work to determine what happened. Several marked vehicles and uniformed officers have remained at the site since the alarm was raised, while additional teams have been seen entering and leaving the premises.

The case is being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Investigation Team, a specialist collaborative squad made up of officers from across five regional forces. The unit typically handles the most serious crimes, including organised violence, major incidents and terrorism.

Assistant Chief Constable James Avery acknowledged the shock such an incident could cause. “This is a complex and sensitive investigation,” he said. “We understand the concern this will have triggered among parents and the local community. Please be reassured that we have dedicated resources deployed.”

Detective Inspector Neil Holden, the senior investigating officer, confirmed that police were in direct contact with the parents and guardians of all the children involved. “We are ensuring full safeguarding measures are in place,” he said. “Officers remain on-site, conducting further enquiries and offering support.”

Paramedics were first alerted at 4 pm on Monday. The emergency call described a medical incident at a private address. East Midlands Ambulance Service deployed an extensive response, including ten ambulances, four paramedics in cars and an air ambulance unit.

The nature of the children’s symptoms or the substance allegedly administered has not been publicly disclosed. Police said investigations remain ongoing and that no formal charges have been made at this stage.

In a further development, Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The move follows scrutiny of how officers initially handled concerns relating to the children’s welfare.

An IOPC spokesperson confirmed it has launched a full independent investigation. “We received a conduct referral on Tuesday from Leicestershire Police regarding their response to wellbeing concerns,” the spokesperson said. “We will examine whether any delay in action constituted a breach of professional duty.”

Officers remain in the village of Stathern, a normally quiet rural community, offering reassurance to residents and liaising with partner agencies, including children’s services.

The site of the incident, Stathern Lodge, has been sealed off as investigators comb through the scene. Locals have described a heavy police presence and an air of anxiety as the community comes to terms with a summer camp turned crime scene.