Pensioner arrested over poison fears at Midlands summer camp after 8 kids fall ill

Yahoo

3 days ago

A pensioner has been taken into custody on suspicion of administering poison at a summer camp in Leicestershire where eight children fell ill.
Police officers responded to a report of children feeling unwell at the camp on Canal Lane in the village of Stathern on Monday.
A precautionary measure saw eight children transported to hospital after a triage centre was established at a nearby village hall.
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Leicestershire Police have confirmed that all eight children have since been discharged from hospital.
A 76 year old man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. The force stated that he is being held on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy.
In a statement released on Thursday, the force said: "On Sunday (27 July), a report was received by Leicestershire Police concerning children feeling unwell at a summer camp in Canal Lane. The report was made by a third party.
"Following the report, officers were deployed along with the East Midlands Ambulance Service to safeguard those children concerned.
"A triage centre was set up in partnership with the East Midlands Ambulance Service at Plungar village hall to assess all children present at the camp. Following an initial assessment, eight children were taken to hospital as a precaution and have all since been discharged."
Detective Inspector Neil Holden stated: "We understand the concern this incident will have caused to parents, guardians and the surrounding community.
"We are in contact with the parents and guardians of all children concerned.
"Please be reassured that we have several dedicated resources deployed and are working with partner agencies including children's services to ensure full safeguarding is provided to the children involved.
"We also remain at the scene to carry out enquiries into the circumstances of what has happened and to continue to provide advice and support in the area.
"This is a complex and sensitive investigation and we will continue to provide updates to both parents and guardians and the public as and when we can."
The constabulary confirmed it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the "circumstances of the initial police response".
An IOPC representative commented: "We received a conduct referral on Tuesday (July 29) from Leicestershire Police relating to their handling of concerns passed to them over the wellbeing of a group of children.
"Our assessment team has examined all available evidence and concluded the matter should be independently investigated by the IOPC.
"The investigation will look at whether there were any breaches of professional behaviour – namely a failure to carry out duties and responsibilities – that resulted in a delay in Leicestershire Police's response to what was later declared a critical incident."