A 76-year-old man has been arrested following a suspected poisoning incident at a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, which resulted in eight children being hospitalized. The children, who were attending the camp at Stathern Lodge, reported feeling unwell on Sunday. However, it was not until Monday that police and ambulance services arrived at the scene.

Incident Overview

The children were assessed at a triage center set up at Plungar Village Hall before being taken to the hospital as a precaution. They have since been discharged. The man was arrested at a nearby public house on suspicion of administering poison or a noxious substance with intent to harm. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Police Response Under Scrutiny

The handling of the incident by Leicestershire Police has come under scrutiny, leading to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The police force referred itself to the watchdog due to concerns about the delay in their response. The IOPC will examine whether there were any breaches of professional conduct.

Community Impact

The situation has left the local community in shock. Neighbors described the scene as chaotic, with numerous emergency vehicles and stressed parents gathered outside the village hall. "It was a bit surreal," said a local resident, noting the unusual level of activity in the typically quiet area.

Ongoing Investigation

The East Midlands Special Operations Unit is spearheading the investigation, with officers remaining in Stathern to conduct further inquiries and provide reassurance to affected families. Assistant Chief Constable James Avery emphasized the complexity and sensitivity of the investigation, stating that the welfare of the children is a top priority.