Incident of suspected needle assault being investigated
Devon and Cornwall Police say they're working with pubs and nightclubs following concerns about drink spiking - and women being attacked with needles.
Last updated 20th Oct 2021
Police have confirmed they're looking into a reports a woman was assaulted by someone with a needle at Exeter's Fever and Boutique nightclub on Saturday
Officers have tonight confirmed that's currently the only incident under investigation in the force area.
They also say drink testing kits are already available in many bars across the region and more can be supplied to any venues that want them.
Officers are able to test urine for the signs of spiking up for up to three days after it may have happened.
Devon and Cornwall police has been leading the way nationally after recently launching an anti-drink spiking initiative - following a successful trial in Plymouth in 2019 before the pandemic.
Sergeant Dave Moore from the Force Licensing Team said: “These kits allow bar staff to test a person’s drink to see if it has been interfered with. If it has, this allows evidence to be secured and medical assistance given to the victim. This can also help give peace of mind if the drink comes back clear from tampering.
“Bars who are part of the Best Bar None scheme, Pubwatch and all late-night venues across Devon and Cornwall have been supplied with these drink testing kits. Any other bars who wish to have access to these kits can contact the police licensing team and they will be supplied to them.
“We also have urine testing kits for use by police officers at police stations around the force which can be used for up to three days after the consumption of the drink to test for evidence of spiking.
“We will work closely with the evening and night-time economy to ensure bar and door staff are fully aware of the correct steps to take if a customer has concerns about their drink being spiked.
“These incidents are rare but are simply unacceptable. Please continue to look out for each-other and to report these matters to the police and together we will stop this predatory behaviour.”
Further police advice on personal safety can be found here
Police say they are 'investigating an incident where a woman has been assaulted with a needle in Fever & Boutique nightclub in Exeter late on Saturday 16 October' and 'officers are appealing for witnesses and urge that anyone with any information comes forward and contacts police on 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/090910/21'
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