A York woman has said she was ‘absolutely devastated’ when an afternoon out with friends turned into a nightmare when their drinks were spiked.
The party of four women, who we’re not naming, went out on Saturday afternoon, between 1pm and 5pm.
Two of them were very ill after their drinks were spiked. One was so badly affected she required hospital treatment.
The four friends went to three pubs on Blossom Street and Micklegate.
One of the women said: “It was a fabulous afternoon with friends out in York. Which turned nasty very quickly.
“Two out of the four of us were spiked, and one hospitalised.”
She said they were very careful, never leaving their drinks unattended and staying in pairs when they went to the toilet.
“We didn’t notice anything suspicious,” she said. “I know a lot of people will be going round York for Christmas so please, please be careful.
“Thankfully everyone is OK. I’m absolutely devastated you cant have a drink and a catch up with friends.”
Increasing problem
The victims don’t know how they were spiked – whether something was put in their drinks or they were injected, although they haven’t found any puncture wounds.
Doctors have taken samples, but the results aren’t back yet. Police are investigating.
This is becoming an increasing problem in York. The woman said she had been told that “over 20 were hospitalised in York” on Saturday night due to spiking.
In October we reported how a woman was hospitalised after being the victim of spiking by injection.
And last month police were investigating six cases of spiking in the city.
At the time Detective Inspector Paul Groves from York Criminal Investigation Department said: “We want people to be aware of the signs of spiking and also to report it to us as soon as possible.
“We’re working closely with licenced premises in the city, so everyone can enjoy a safe night out.
“But we also want to ensure people are aware of the steps they can take to protect themselves from spiking and importantly, how to recognise the symptoms. The quicker you can determine that someone has been spiked, the sooner you can get help and also report it to police.”