A pensioner has been charged with three offences of wilful ill-treatment of a child relating to three boys.

Jonathon Ruben from Leicestershire was prosecuted with child cruelty offences following a police investigation into a summer camp held at Stathern Lodge

The 76-year-old will appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Saturday, August 1.

Emergency services attended the scene and eight children, who were all boys aged between eight and 11, were taken to hospital as "a precaution after "feeling unwell", the police confirmed.

An adult was also taken to the hospital following the incident, but has also been discharged.

Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the prosecution of a 76-year-old man with child cruelty offences following a police investigation into a summer camp held at Stathern Lodge, Leicestershire.

"This decision has been made after reviewing a file of evidence from Leicestershire Police.

"Jonathon Ruben, will be charged with three offences of wilful ill treatment of a child relating to three boys."

Google | Police received reports of children feeling unwell at a summer camp on Canal Lane in the village of Stathern

The statement added: "This has been an extremely upsetting and shocking moment for the community, and especially for the children and parents most directly affected.

The service highlighted that criminal proceedings are now active against Ruben, and he has the right to a fair trial.

They warned that there must be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online that may in any way prejudice these proceedings.

Leicestershire Police said: "The owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are independent from those people who use or hire the lodge and are not connected to the incident.

"This is an active criminal investigation and we ask that people do not speculate further about the incident, particularly on social media platforms. Leicestershire Police continues to work closely with partners ensuring that full safeguarding is provided to all those affected.”