Elderly Individual, 76 years old, apprehended on suspicion of poisoning at a summer camp, following the hospitalization of eight children.
In the peaceful town of Stathern, Leicestershire, an unexpected incident unfolded at a summer camp on Sunday, July 28, 2025. Eight children aged 8 to 11, along with one adult, fell ill following a suspected poisoning incident at the camp located on Canal Lane.
The emergency services were promptly notified, with East Midlands Ambulance Service receiving a call reporting a medical emergency at the private address associated with the summer camp. To ensure a comprehensive response, multiple resources were dispatched, including four paramedics in ambulance cars, 10 crewed ambulances, and responders from the air ambulance. A total of nine patients were transported to a nearby medical centre, but all eight children have since been discharged from the hospital.
Leicestershire Police, led by Detective Inspector Neil Holden, is leading the investigation into the incident. The man suspected of administering the poison or a noxious substance, a 76-year-old named Jonathon Ruben, was arrested Monday evening at a nearby pub. Ruben has been charged with three counts of wilful ill treatment (child cruelty offences) and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on August 1, 2025.
The investigation, described as complex and sensitive, is ongoing. The police are working closely with partner agencies, including children's services, for the investigation and safeguarding efforts. The police have also assured that they will continue to provide updates to both parents, guardians, and the public as more information becomes available. They are in constant contact with the parents and guardians of all children involved in the incident.
In light of the initial police response, Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to review their handling of the situation. The IOPC is an independent body that investigates complaints and allegations of misconduct and malpractice within UK police forces.
Several dedicated resources have been deployed to ensure full safeguarding for the children involved, and the community of Stathern remains supportive and vigilant during this challenging time. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the well-being of the affected children and the pursuit of justice.
[1] Leicester Mercury. (2025, July 29). Suspected poisoning at Leicestershire summer camp: Eight children fall ill. Retrieved from https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/suspected-poisoning-leicestershire-summer-camp-8663433
[2] Leicestershire Live. (2025, July 29). Man arrested on suspicion of administering poison at Leicestershire summer camp. Retrieved from https://www.leicestershirelive.co.uk/news/leicester-news/man-arrested-suspicion-administering-poison-2102600
[3] East Midlands Ambulance Service. (2025, July 29). Incident Report: Stathern, Leicestershire. Retrieved from https://www.emas.nhs.uk/incident-report/stathern-leicestershire/
[4] Leicestershire Police. (2025, July 29). Statement on ongoing investigation at Stathern summer camp. Retrieved from https://www.leicestershire.police.uk/news/leicestershire/news/2025/07/29/statement-on-ongoing-investigation-at-stathern-summer-camp/
- Despite the incident of suspected poisoning at the Stathern summer camp, health-and-wellness organizations are working diligently to safeguard the children's health and wellbeing, while also ensuring general news sources keep the public informed about updates.
- The Leicestershire Police's investigation into the case of the 76-year-old suspect poisoning children at a summer camp is part of a broader effort in the crime-and-justice sector to protect the affected minors and bring the perpetrator to justice, as well as maintain open communication with parents, guardians, and the public.
