Man thought to have had drink spiked in Bognor

The victim was enjoying a night out with friends at The William Hardwicke pub in the town centre on the evening of December 18, where he purchased a glass of cola which he left on the bar unattended, police said.

It is believed that between 11.30pm and midnight, another individual placed some form of substance in the drink, which caused the man to lose his senses a few minutes after he had finished it.

A police statement also said that he was later found with a graze to his arm and his upper clothing removed close to The Waverley pub, about a mile away, though the exact location is unknown.

The victim was taken home by a good samaritan who is not known to him or his family, and who dropped him off without offering his name or contact information.

The following morning, he was visited by paramedics who reported symptoms including dizziness, blurred vision, shaking, slurred speech and a loss of sense of taste.

Although he is not a regular drinker, the victim believes the consumption of one alcoholic drink earlier that evening - a vodka and lemonade - could not explain his behaviour.

Detective Constable Andrea Watts said: “The victim in this case was celebrating Christmas with a few friends when it is believed he consumed a soft drink which had been spiked.

“Due to the intensity of his reactions to having ingested the substance, paramedics were called to his address the following day, where he was treated.

“Thankfully this is a rare occurrence, though I would urge anyone buying drinks from a bar or a pub - during the Christmas and New Year period or at any other time - to be vigilant and to not leave their drinks unattended if at all possible.

“We would also like to speak to the good samaritan who found the victim and took him home.

“He may hold some key information which could assist in our investigation.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact [email protected] or call 101, quoting serial 142 of 19/12.

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