An investigation has begun at one of Britain's most prestigious
private schools after a member of staff was arrested on suspicion
of trying to poison the pupils' soup, police said.
Detectives were called to Stowe School; whose former pupils include
billionaire Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, after other
members of staff raised the alarm about strange smells in the food
last Friday.
"During routine checks, school staff became suspicious that
foodstuffs had been tampered with and the police were alerted,"
said a spokesman for Stowe, set in 750 acres of impressive grounds
near Buckingham, 100 km northwest of London.
"We continue to cooperate closely with the police in their
investigation."
A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman said: "It was soup. It was being
prepared for the pupils."
Detectives said a 58-year-old man had been arrested at his home on
suspicion of administering poison with intent to endanger life or
inflict grievous bodily harm.
He has not yet been questioned because of ill health and has been
bailed until March 29.
Media reports said the man was a kitchen porter and police
confirmed he was a member of staff at the school, which has about
750 boys and girls, aged from 13 to 18, and where fees are more
than $57,972 a year for boarders.
"Nobody has been harmed, but these are serious accusations," said
Detective Constable Vicky Ball.
"Our investigation is still in its early stages and forensic work is continuing."
