Police investigate nightclub needle attack in Exeter

A woman reported being spiked with a needle at Fever & Boutique in Exeter

An alleged assault with a needle on a woman in a nightclub is being investigated by police.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a woman reported being assaulted in the Fever & Boutique club in Exeter on Saturday.

It follows reports of other "spiking" incidents including 12 being investigated in Nottingham.

Supt Antony Hart said it was the only incident of its type that had been reported to police in Devon and Cornwall.

Supt Hart, local commander for Exeter, East and Mid Devon, said: "There has been a lot of media and social media coverage in relation to drink-spiking, plus the understandable fear following a woman being attacked with a needle in a bar in Nottingham.

"We are investigating an incident in Exeter and progressing inquiries to identify and arrest those responsible.

"Whilst assaults using needles are very rare, we ask that people are vigilant when in crowded spaces and notify premises staff or police of any suspicious behaviour."

'Something suspicious'

Police said the alleged needle incident also raised the wider issue of drink-spiking and what could be done to combat it.

Supt Hart asked for help from the public "to tackle this issue head-on".

He said: "That means if you have witnessed something suspicious in a bar, then you must report this to door and bar staff immediately.

"We also need people who believe they have been spiked or assaulted to come forward to door staff and the police as soon as possible.

"Not only does this give us the best chance in catching those responsible, but it will also allow us to get medical treatment for the victim at the earliest opportunity."

The force is making drink testing kits available in bars across Devon and Cornwall and urine testing kits are also available in all police stations to allow officers to obtain evidence.

A petition calling for compulsory searches at nightclubs has been signed by more than 150,000 people.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked police forces for an update following reports of a number of cases.