Stathern 'poisioning': What we know so far

A summer camp in a quiet village in the Vale of Belvoir remains the focus of a major police operation this morning (Friday) after reports of children feeling unwell.

Officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Major Incident Team (MIT) are handling the investigation and a 76 year old man remains in police custody.

It comes after police received reports of children feeling unwell at the Stathern Lodge camp in Stathern near Melton on Sunday. The report came from a third party.

Police were first called about concerns for the welfare of children at the summer camp in Canal Lane, Stathern on Sunday but didn't attend until Monday.

Leicestershire Police are now the focus of an investgiation themselves after the Independent Office For Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed they will investigate the police's response to the incident.

Stathern Lodge in the Vale of Belvoir is now the centre of a major police investigation. Photo: NEMM

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.

A 76 year old man was initially reported as being arrested at the camp but police have recently confirmed he was in fact arrested at a pub nearby in the village of Plungar. He remains in police custody and we expect him to be either released or charged soon.

No details about the children have been released by police including their ages or where they were from.

Assistant Chief Constable James Avery speaking to the media at the scene on Thursday. Photo: NEMM

Speaking to the media at a briefing on Thursday Assistant Chief Constable James Avery also couldn't confirm any details about the type of substance that the children came in to contact with or any details about the man who was arrested, which is normal until a person is charged.

ACC Avery also wouldn't go in to exact detail about the police's initial response to the incident while there is an on-going investigation by the IOPC.

Police at the scene on Thursday morning. Photo: NEMM

Stathern Lodge in Stathern is listed as hosting holiday camps for church groups and getaways for disadvantaged children in Nottingham.

Police remain in the area carrying out investigations and offering reassurance to local residents and the wider community.