Woman collapses after suspected spiking by injection in York bar
Police say that a woman collapsed on a night out in York after suspected spiking by injection – the first case of its kind in the city.
It follows reports of attacks in other cities across the country – and comes before a boycott of York nightclubs by a group campaigning for safe nights out.
North Yorkshire Police said the incident in York happened last week.
A force spokesperson said: “There has been one reported case of suspected spiking by injection in North Yorkshire and the City of York.
“This was received on Friday (22 October) and related to an incident in York two days earlier when a woman, on a night out, collapsed and was taken to hospital.
“Medical tests showed her pulse and oxygen levels were normal. However, it is not believed a blood test was taken, so it is unclear what exactly caused her to collapse.”
‘Very concerning’
Hundreds of drink and injection spiking incidents have been reported to police forces across the UK over the past two months.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) revealed there have been around 140 confirmed reports across September and October of drink spiking, and 24 reports of some form of injection.
The North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “The nature of this issue is clearly very concerning.
“Please be assured that North Yorkshire Police is working closely with pubs and clubs to help tackle this worrying issue. We are encouraging premises to increase searches at entry points, and for staff to spot the signs of spiking to ensure victims receive immediate medical attention.
“We also encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witness to spiking – in any form – to contact the police as soon as possible so action can be taken.
“You must also seek immediate medical attention so early tests can be carried out to establish what substance has been used. Be that more alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs.
“To report an incident, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.
“Always dial 999 if an emergency police or medical response is required.”
Boycott call
A campaign group called York Big Night In is calling for a boycott of clubs and bars in York on Wednesday (27 October).
They say they have received “many stories” of people having their drinks spiked. They shared one such story on their Instagram account in which a woman said she said she had blacked out after one or two drinks at an unnamed York venue.
“We would always find ourselves in dangerous situations when we came around. We’d either be somewhere we didn’t know or recognise or be with men we had literally never met before.
“One minute I’m dancing, and the next thing I know I’m at home with one of my housemates, who could not move, and three random people I’d never seen before.”
Nationally the campaign is asking for regular and comprehensive bystander training for all bar and club staff, for nightclubs to have a designated welfare officer, and a clear zero tolerance policy on spiking.