**Arrest Made After Eight Children Hospitalised at Leicestershire Summer Camp**
Authorities in Leicestershire have launched a comprehensive investigation following reports that eight children attending a summer camp in the village of Stathern became unwell and were subsequently taken to hospital. A 76-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of intentionally administering a harmful substance, an incident that has prompted both police and community concern.
The incident, which began on Sunday, saw children at Stathern Lodge—a converted farmhouse valued for its recreation and catering facilities—display signs of illness. Emergency services responded promptly, and a nearby village hall in Plungar was repurposed into a triage centre to assess and treat those affected. Medical staff and critical care teams attended the scene, with eight children transported to hospital as a precaution. According to Leicestershire Police, all children have now been discharged and are recovering.
The suspect was apprehended at a local public house on Monday evening. As of Thursday night, he remains in custody as investigators work to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have stated that the man is being held on suspicion of administering poison or a noxious substance with the intent to harm or aggrieve.
A police cordon remains in place on Canal Lane, a location not far from the summer camp, while forensic teams continue their inquiries. The parents and guardians of the affected children have been directly contacted, with officers aiming to keep families updated as more information comes to light.
Detective Inspector Neil Holden, speaking on behalf of the Leicestershire force, addressed the community’s anxiety: “We fully recognise how troubling this episode has been for families and the local community. Dedicated resources are on-site, and we’re working alongside partner agencies, including children’s services, to offer every possible safeguarding measure for those involved.” He emphasised the complexity of the ongoing investigation and committed to providing further updates where possible.
In a significant development, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has decided to carry out its own independent investigation. The IOPC is examining whether potential failures in police duties caused delays in the initial response, which was later classified as a critical incident. The review will focus on any breaches of professional standards by Leicestershire Police.
Eyewitness accounts from residents of Plungar described a tense and unsettling atmosphere near the triage site. One local woman recounted seeing a heavy emergency services presence and children closely guarded. She remarked on the visible stress amongst parents, noting, “Everyone was anxious and no one was allowed near the children—it was chaotic, with police cars, ambulances, and worried families gathered until late into the night.”
Another neighbour, who observed the situation from his home, highlighted the unusual nature of the occurrence in their usually quiet area: “It was surreal. Parents were not allowed access to their children, which was understandably confusing and distressing for everyone present.”
Ed Argar, the Conservative MP for Melton and Syston, addressed constituents’ concerns, urging calm while investigations are ongoing. “These reports are both shocking and distressing,” he stated, extending support to the children affected. Argar encouraged the authorities to be as forthcoming as possible with updates, while cautioning against speculation that could compromise the investigation.
As the inquiry continues, police maintain a presence in the area, providing support and reassurance to residents. The safeguarding of children has been cited as the highest priority throughout this investigation, which remains ongoing.
The broader community awaits further details, as the case continues to develop and the facts are established through both police and independent investigation processes. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of robust safeguarding protocols during children’s activities, and the swift, coordinated efforts required in response to critical incidents.