Investigation underway after report woman was injected with unknown substance in Preston

Detectives are investigating reports that a woman was injected with an 'unknown substance' in Preston over the weekend.

Officers are also looking into a separate incident where it was reported two women had their drinks spiked in the city on Saturday night.

Lancashire Police said they were called yesterday afternoon after a woman in her late teens went to hospital with concerns that she had been injected.

Police said the window for that to have happened is between 10.20pm on Saturday and 4.45am yesterday in the city centre.

Officers were also called to Lancaster Road, Preston, at 11.57pm on Saturday by the ambulance service following reports two woman had their drinks spiked. The women, one aged in her 20s and the other in her 30s, were take to hospital but have both since been discharged.

Lancashire Police said they're at the early stage of their enquiries and although the two incidents are not being treated as linked at this stage, officers are keeping an open mind.

Nobody has been arrested at this time.

Det Insp George Binns, of Preston CID, said: “We appreciate that there is a great deal of concern surrounding these reports, particularly on the back of what has been reported elsewhere in the country. We take reports like these extremely seriously and are working diligently to get to the bottom of exactly what has happened.

“We are at the early stages of our investigations and we will update the public further as soon as we can. The victims are being supported and I would encourage anybody with information which could assist our enquiries to come forward.

“If you think you have been the victim of this kind of offence, we would encourage you to report it to the police or a member of the bar staff as soon as possible. You will be believed and it will allow us to obtain the strongest possible evidence to secure a conviction.

“Our colleagues in licensing regularly work with local bar and club owners to ensure people have a safe and enjoyable time and that there are mechanisms in place if people need help, including the Ask For Angela initiative. In the wake of these incidents, we are liaising with licensing and local venues around safety.

“There will be increased reassurance patrols in Preston over the coming weekend. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to say speak to an officer.”

Anyone with information which could assist our enquiries is asked to call 101, quoting log 1108 of October 24, 2021.

For more information on Ask For Angela – visit https://www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/personal-safety/ask-for-angela/

For safety advice around spiking, visit https://www.talktofrank.com/news/spiking

If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a crime, you can receive free and confidential support from Lancashire Victims Services. Visit their website at https://lancashirevictimservices.org/