Man, 76, arrested on suspicion of poisoning after children fall ill at summer camp

A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison after children fell ill at a summer camp in Leicestershire.

Police said an investigation was under way in Canal Lane, Stathern, after eight children were taken to hospital as a precaution on Sunday. All have since been discharged.

Officers had gone to the camp with East Midlands Ambulance Service after receiving reports about the children feeling unwell.

The arrested man was detained on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy. He remains in custody.

Leicestershire Police said the investigation was now being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit's major incident team

"This is to allow a full and thorough investigation to take place with dedicated resources," a spokesperson said.

Officers remain in Stathern on Thursday, carrying out further inquiries and to establish what happened, as well as providing reassurance to families affected.