By Beatrice Learmouth, Deputy News Editor
A 19-year-old man reported an incident of needle spiking after visiting student nightclub Daisy's on Wednesday 22nd of January, Avon and Somerset police have confirmed.
Whilst on a night out with friends, he reported feeling more intoxicated than usual at Daisy's after visiting several venues on the night.
He woke the next morning to find a bruise on his arm and went to hospital where it was confirmed as a needle injection site.
The incident was registered by the police as 'administering poison with intent to injure or annoy', but there are currently no further lines of enquiry into the matter.
In a statement, Daisy's confirmed they were aware of an 'alleged spiking' at the club and 'are working closely with the police and have had a meeting with the SU to find out more information.'
'We reached out to the police and offered assistance in the investigation but have since received information that the case has been closed and no further investigation will be taking place’.
Daisy's said they would be 'taking extra measures on top of what we already do to increase safety at the venue.'
Fishies, the student event company who run Wednesday sports nights in Bristol and across the country, have updated their security measures following the spiking.
These new measures include: a requirement to show student ID upon entry, carrying out extra bag and body searches across venues, making stop tops available at all bars, and having welfare officers on duty across venues.
Epigram contacted Bristol SU for a statement on the incident. Bristol SU confirmed that whilst they don’t work directly with Daisy’s, they recently met with the Venue Manager to ensure appropriate measures were being put into place.
'We are aware of some recent reports of students experiencing spiking in the city. We condemn spiking and the perpetrators who carry out these dangerous and life-threatening acts’.
‘Any student who believes they have been a victim of spiking should report the incident to the police and to the venue. They are also able to access wellbeing support through the University wellbeing team’.
The SU said that as far as they are aware, ‘spiking cases related to HIV are just rumours.’
‘The risk of anyone contracting HIV from any kind of needle injury is extremely rare and there have been no confirmed cases of HIV infections from needle stick injuries in the UK since 1999’.
There were several reports of needle spiking in Bristol in 2021, which led to some societies boycotting clubs for their lack of action over the issue, and an increased push to raise awareness about spiking in nightclubs.
Avon and Somerset Police encouraged anyone with any knowledge about the incident which occurred to call 101 and give the reference 5225021408.
Featured Image: Will Standring
If you or anyone you know is a victim of drink and drugs spiking, you can report it online at: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/drink-and-drug-spiking/
More advice and information about drink and drug spiking can be found here: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/victims-witnesses-and-offenders/drink-drug-spiking-guidance/
