‘A complex investigation': What we know so far after children 'poisoned' at summer camp

ITV News

2 days ago

Leicestershire Police have declared a major incident after eight children were taken to hospital in a suspected poisoning.
On Thursday morning, police confirmed a 76-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of intentionally poisoning the children at a summer camp in Stathern in Leicestershire.
We've pulled together everything we know about the investigation so far.
What have the police said?
Police say the investigation is in its "very early stages" and have refused to comment on the ages or sexes of the children involved.
In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Assistant Chief Constable James Avery refused to give any details about the man who has been arrested, when he was arrested, where and how long he has been in custody.
The East Midlands major investigations team is taking charge of the case.
A dedicated public portal has been set up for people to report any information that might be relevant.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Neil Holden, the senior investigating officer, said: '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.'
What happened at the summer camp in Canal Lane?
Children at a summer camp in Stathern started feeling unwell last weekend. It was reported to the police on Sunday by a "third party".
It is believed the summer camp was at Stathern Lodge, a converted farmhouse with a sports hall and catering facilities.
Police and people from the East Midlands Ambulance Service went to the camp following the report.
East Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'We received a call at 4 pm on Monday 28 July to a private address in Plungar.
"The caller reported a medical emergency. We sent a number of resources, including four paramedics in ambulance cars, ten crewed ambulances and responders from the air ambulance were also in attendance.
"We transported nine patients to Queen's Medical Centre.'
The children were checked by Ambulance workers and taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. They were all later discharged.
Police say they're supporting the children's families.
The 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy. He remains in custody.
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What has the police watchdog said?
Leicestershire Police referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on Tuesday because of "circumstances of the initial police response".
The IPOC has said: 'We received a conduct referral on Tuesday 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.'
Local MP Edward Argar, Conservative member for Melton and Syston, reacted to the shocking news.
He encouraged the police to provide as much information as possible about the incident.
'The reports of this incident are clearly shocking and deeply concerning,' he said.
'Our thoughts are with the young people affected, wishing them a full recovery.
'While, understandably, people will have a lot of questions about what has happened, it is important we remember this is a live police criminal investigation, so I would caution against people speculating while the police do that work.
'I would, however, encourage the police to provide as much information publicly as they can, as soon as they can, but without prejudicing that vital investigation.'