Six spikings at same nightclub could be linked, say police
Bosses at Popworld in Weston Super Mare say safety is their priority
Avon and Somerset Police are investigating six separate allegations of spiking by injection at the same nightclub in Weston Super Mare.
Each incident has been reported at Popworld on Richmond Street, since December 4.
In a statement the police say they are taking the reports extremely seriously and they are keeping "an open mind" as to whether they could be linked.
"Each of the victims contacted police after noticing puncture wounds on their skin," the statement reads.
"While none have suffered serious harm as a result, police are taking these reports extremely seriously."
Officers are now reviewing CCTV footage from the club on each night in question.
They say they also want to speak to anyone with information which could help the investigations, especially anyone who was at Popworld on any of the relevant nights, has photos or phone footage, or saw anyone acting suspiciously.
The nights in question and the details of each case are as follows:
- Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 December between 9pm and 1am (ref 5221285776)
- Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 December between 8.30pm and 1.30am (ref 5221293848)
- Sunday 12 December between 1am and 4am (ref 5221291476)
- Thursday 16 - Friday 17 December between 11pm and 4am (ref 5221296486)
- Friday 17 December between 12:00am and 1am (ref 5221295419)
- Saturday 18 December between 1am and 1.30am (ref 5221296627)
A spokesperson for Popworld ZINC Weston-Super-Mare said: “We are aware of a number of allegations of suspected spiking incidents in our venue.
"We are assisting the police in their investigation and have provided CCTV available for inspection.
"We would encourage anyone who has not already been in contact about these allegations to talk to us directly."
Popworld say safety is their priority and they have "enhanced safety measures" in place, to try and protected people.
They include the "Ask for Angela" scheme, which allows people feeling under threat to "ask for Angela" at the bar at which point they will be taken to safety, and by offering drinks covers to anyone who wants them.
"We ask that if any guest has any concerns or sees anything suspicious that they tell one of our team immediately," the spokesperson continues.
“As part of our focus on ensuring our guests are safe and feel safe, we would really like to speak directly to anybody who has a specific concern.
"We continue to work with the police and local authorities to ensure a safe night out is had by all.”