Men from Portsmouth area arrested for drink spiking after woman, 19, hospitalised in Brighton

Patrolling officers launched an investigation after a woman was hospitalised on Sunday morning.

The 19-year-old had to be assisted by nightclub staff in West Street after becoming unwell.

Police worked with licensed venues to gather evidence.

Five men have been arrested in total.

Two 35-year-old men, from Portsmouth and Havant, a 27-year-old from Waterlooville and 26-year-old from Worthing were initially detained.

The group were arrested on suspicion of administering poison or something noxious with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy someone.

They were released on conditional bail.

A 37-year-old from Waterlooville was later arrested on suspicion of administering poison or something noxious with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy someone.

He was released under investigation amid ongoing enquiries.

Detective sergeant Sharon Rintoul, of Sussex police, said: ‘The speed at which we were able to make these arrests is not only testament to the swift work of bar staff and our officers, but a further reminder of the importance of promptly reporting potential spiking incidents.

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‘If you believe you or somebody you know may have been a victim of spiking, please report it immediately to bar staff, a police officer or call 999, so evidence can be gathered as quickly as possible.’

Hampshire police increase patrols in Portsmouth around universities last month to curb a surge in drink spiking.

Some ‘terrified’ students boycotted nightclubs in the city last autumn amid a rise in reports.

It came as part of a national movement after a woman was reported to have been injected with dangerous substances at the 2021 University of Nottingham freshers’ week.