Fortunately, all the affected children are now reported to be recovering well after receiving medical attention.

Residents described chaotic scenes, with numerous emergency vehicles responding to the situation and children in distress being assessed for their health.

A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison after eight children were hospitalized following an incident at a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire.

The incident occurred on Monday, prompting a rapid response from the East Midlands Ambulance Service, which transported the affected children to the hospital.

In light of the incident, Detective Inspector Neil Holden reassured the public that dedicated resources are in place to support the investigation and the affected families.

The investigation is being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit's Major Incident Team, with detectives and uniformed officers actively investigating the scene and providing reassurance to the local community.

To assist in the investigation, a Major Incident Public Portal has been established for the public to share any relevant information, and authorities urge anyone with knowledge of the case to report it online.

Due to the circumstances surrounding their initial response, the police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is now independently investigating their handling of the situation.

Local MP Ed Argar expressed concern over the incident, labeling it shocking and urging the community to refrain from speculation while the police conduct their investigation.

A police cordon has been set up on Canal Lane, with several officers deployed to ensure community safety and investigate the incident.

The police have not disclosed what substance may have been involved in the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities are treating the case as a potential crime involving intent to injure or annoy the victims.