“DISTRESSED” parents of children suspected of being poisoned at a summer camp begged cops to see their kids after the horror incident, a witness has claimed.
Eight youngsters were rushed to hospital on Monday after feeling unwell while attending the camp at a site in Stathern near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
PAEight children were rushed to hospital after being suspected of being poisoned at a summer camp[/caption]
PAPolice have declared the horror a ‘critical incident’[/caption]
PAA 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison[/caption]
A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy, and is being questioned by police.
A witness has now claimed that “distressed” parents were unable to see their children “for hours” after the shocking incident.
In nearby Plungar, a triage centre was set up in the village hall, with witnesses reporting seeing parents “screaming” at officers as they demanded to see their kids, reports Leicestershire Live.
Leicestershire Police said it had received a report of children feeling unwell at the summer camp on Sunday.
However, it was not until Monday that officers were sent to the site, alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service which was called to treat those affected.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was then referred to the case on Tuesday, relating to the force’s “handling of concerns over the wellbeing of children”.
All eight children who were rushed to hospital on Monday have since been discharged.
The youngsters had been enjoying the summer camp at Stathern Lodge, owned by Christian charity the Braithwaite Gospel Trust, which provides holiday clubs, reports the Telegraph.
Some parents have speculated that the tuck shop at the camp may have been tainted with unsafe items, reports Metro.
One mum, whose son was due to attend the holiday camp this week, said she wanted the camp closed down.
She told Metro: “We’re not sure it was in the food they served or if it was in the tuck shop they ran.
“They said we were able to send £5 to each child for the tuck shop.”
The mum added that she had received a phone call from the police but that they “couldn’t tell her anything”.
She continued: “The camp should be closed down. We can’t trust anyone with our kids.”
At a news conference held yesterday, Assistant Chief Constable James Avery confirmed families were being supported by specialist officers but refused to answer most questions – saying the investigation was in its “early stages”.
The 76-year-old suspect was arrested at a pub close to the site on Monday evening and remains in custody at this time, police said.
‘A COMPLEX AND SENSITIVE INVESTIGATION’
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police added: “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.”
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.
“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.”
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.”
The Sun has reached out to Leicestershire Police for further comment.
PAWitnesses claimed parents were separated from their children for hours after the incident[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
