A 76‑year‑old man was taken into custody after an incident at a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, left eight children feeling unwell. The issue emerged on Monday, July 27, 2025, when a passer- alerted authorities that several youngsters appeared ill at the camp, located at Stathern Lodge on Canal Lane Guardian.
Responders from Leicestershire Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service quickly set up a triage centre at Plungar village hall. Eight children were swiftly assessed and transported to hospital as a precaution; fortunately, all have since been discharged and are reported to be fine.
At the camp site, officers arrested a man aged 76 on suspicion of administering poison or another harmful substance with intent to injure, aggrieve, or annoy. He remains in custody as part of an ongoing criminal investigation led the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Major Incident Team.
Detective Inspector Neil Holden said authorities appreciate how disturbing this incident may be for families and the local community. Police are liaising closely with parents and guardians and maintaining a presence in Stathern to provide support and gather information. He emphasised the complexity and sensitivity of the case and pledged to issue further updates as available.
In addition, Leicestershire Police have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to examine the handling of the initial response. The IOPC will investigate whether any professional standards were breached that may have delayed recognition of the event’s severity.
Key details at a glance:
- Date of incident: Monday, July 27, 2025
- Location: Stathern Lodge, Canal Lane, Stathern, Leicestershire
- Victims: Eight children treated and released
- Suspect: 76-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of poisoning
- Investigation: Led Major Incident Team; IOPC review underway
- Authorities: Police in contact with families; providing local reassurance