Girls' Night In For Brighton Students

Students at more than 40 universities, including Brighton, are holding a "Girls' Night In" later, to highlight the issue of drinks being spiked in nightclubs.

Campaigners say people need training to tell if their drink has been contaminated - and about what to do if a friend has been targeted.

It comes after two reports of women being injected while on a night out in Brighton last week, while another woman, in Eastbourne, reported being injected on a night out last weekend (Saturday, October 23).

Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw, divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, said this week:

"Everybody has the right to enjoy a night out in safety and we fully understand the concerns around these troubling reports, not only in Sussex but across the country.

“We have recently increased the number of officers making targeted, visible patrols around licensed premises such as restaurants, bars and clubs during the week as well as over the weekend.

“Our licensing teams also work with venues to raise awareness around spiking and regularly hold briefings with security staff prior to opening to make sure measures are in place to keep customers safe.

“Unannounced licensing checks throughout the night provide an additional level of support and if you see our officers out and about, please do speak to them – or licensed security staff - about any concerns or suspicious behaviour.

“Alongside our partners we also support a Safe Space in St Paul’s Church on West Street, a location where people who feel vulnerable or distressed can seek support.

“Please be assured that we take all reports incredibly seriously and ask anybody who believes they may have been a victim of spiking to let police or bar staff know as soon as possible so they can be tested before potential drugs leave their system and evidence can be gathered.

“Reports can also be made to police online, via 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.”

For Government guidance on spiking incidents, visit https://www.talktofrank.com/news/spiking

More to follow.