Major investigation launched following report of children feeling unwell

An investigation is taking place in Stathern following a report of several children feeling unwell.

On Monday (28th July), a report was received by Leicestershire Police concerning children feeling unwell at a summer camp at Stathern Lodge in Canal Lane. The report was made by a third party.

Following the report, officers were deployed along with the East Midlands Ambulance Service to safeguard those children concerned.

A triage centre was set up in partnership with the East Midlands Ambulance Service at Plungar village hall to assess all children present at the camp. Following an initial assessment, eight children were taken to hospital as a precaution and have all since been discharged.

Officers have contacted the parents or guardians of those children who were taken to hospital.

A 76-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. He was arrested at a nearby public house on Monday evening on suspicion of administering poison/a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy. He remains in custody at this time.

Police outside Stathern Lodge in the Vale of Belvoir on Thursday morning. Photo: NEMM

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: "The investigation is now being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Major Incident Team (MIT). This is to allow a full and thorough investigation to take place with dedicated resources.

Both detectives and uniformed officers from the Melton and Rutland Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) remain in Stathern today carrying out further enquiries and to establish the circumstances of the incident as well as providing reassurance to families affected as well as the local community."

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.

Police at the scene on Thursday morning. Photo: NEMM

“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.”

Plungar Village Hall was turned in to an emergency triage centre. Photo: NEMM

Stathern Lodge is tagged on posts on social media as being used by church and community groups who offer getaways for their members. NEMM has been unable to establish the owners of the building or who operates the summer camps for comment on the incident.

A dedicated Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been created. Anyone with any information in relation to the investigation is asked to report online here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25I63-PO1

The spokesperson also added that due to the circumstances of the initial police response, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).