A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of poisoning children at a summer camp.
Eight children were taken to hospital after falling unwell at the camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, on Sunday.
The ambulance service set up an emergency triage centre at a nearby village hall to assess all the youngsters who attended.
Police have now arrested a man on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy.
Detective Inspector Neil Holden said: ‘We understand the concern this incident will have caused to parents, guardians and the surrounding community.
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‘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.’
A dedicated Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been created and anyone with information is urged to contact the police.
Due to the circumstances of the initial police response, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
An IOPC spokesperson said: ‘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.’
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