Reports of spiking by injection investigated by Nottingham police
Some women say they have been spiked after feeling a sharp scratch
Police in Nottingham are investigating reports from women who say they have been spiked while on nights out.
The reports come from individuals suspecting that their drinks had been spiked, while some women say they have been spiked by injection, a police statement read.
Superintendent Kathryn Craner, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are currently investigating reports of individuals suspecting that their drinks have been spiked.
"Linked to this a small number of victims have said that they may have felt a scratching sensation as if someone may have spiked them physically. Consequently, we are actively investigating all these reports.
“We do not believe that these are targeted incidents; they are distinctly different from anything we have seen previously as victims have disclosed a physical scratch type sensation before feeling very unwell. This is subtly different from feelings of intoxication through alcohol according to some victims.
“We have a dedicated group of officers currently carrying out CCTV enquires at various venues where we have received such reports.
“Our enquiries into these incidents are ongoing but we understand people may be concerned about incidents like this and we want to reassure the public we are working incredibly hard to investigate."
An arrest has been made
A 20-year-old man was arrested in Nottingham on Saturday 16 October on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs and to administer poison with intent to injure, but has since been bailed with conditions.
Police say the arrest comes as part of their "ongoing investigations into alleged spiking reports in the city" and that they are treating the spiking incidents "very seriously".
Police are also working with the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham City Council and the East Midlands Ambulance Service in carrying out their investigations.
They are urging anyone that experiences a suspected spiking incident to contact the police immediately.
A petition for more thorough searching at clubs
With increased reports of girls being spiked emerging across the country, thousands have taken to signing a petition calling for nightclubs to thoroughly search their guests.
The petition, which now has over 120,000 signatures, asks the UK Government to make it a law that "nightclubs must search guests on arrival to prevent harmful weapons and other items entering the establishment."