Thread by @LivEchonews

There have been a spate of spiking incidents on Merseyside this year and also across the country. The effects can be devastating as seen in this video

We look at what’s been happening regarding this issue

New police figures reveal that UK forces have received 24 reports of some form of injection being used to incapacitate victims and the number is growing

Up to last week, Merseyside Police confirmed they are aware of a number of spiking incidents in town, five of which specifically relate to injection spiking liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool…

In August we reported on the disturbing incident concerning Millie Taplin who was allegedly spiked and suffered a terrible reaction during her ordeal

A total of 198 confirmed reports of drink spiking were recorded in September and October across various parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the NPCC

Just this month, Sean Howarth was convicted of taking his victim back to a hotel after he spiked them and filmed himself assaulting her

liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/predator-…

After increasing reports and social media posts have gone viral claiming individuals have been spiked in clubs, including with needles

Prompting people to organise a 'Girls Night In' encouraging people to boycott venues across the UK, including Liverpool last night

Samantha went to a pub in Concert Square with friends during freshers' week when she got split up from them

"The next thing I know I was outside throwing up in a bin bag with paramedics next to me.

"I couldn't form a sentence and I couldn't stand up"
liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool…

Elizabeth was out in Merseyside with a friend on Sat Oct 16 when she believes her drink was spiked

"The only way I can describe it was I was asleep, it felt like I was in a coma.

"I was in and out of consciousness but when I was awake I could hear people talking to me"

The issue with spiking is that it can often appear as though the victim has just had too much to drink, so sometimes it’s not taken as seriously as it should be

Belinda says her drink was spiked at Baltic market

"I felt like I couldn't properly control my body.

"I guess it's like in video games or something where your character is extremely drunk and you struggle to move them"
liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool…

In Merseyside, the police stated that they “understand that people may be alarmed by these reports but want to reassure people that we have not received a huge number of reports in relation to incidents of this nature on Merseyside”

However, the leisure industries and night time economy outlets are also being encouraged to take action

A number of bars and clubs in Liverpool have already started issuing updates on their safety precautions

liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/music…

Others have shown support to the victims of spiking by shutting its doors

liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool…

.@ACR_Trust

"In recent weeks we've seen a rise in #spiking via #injection throughout the UK.

Signs you've been #spiked can include lowered inhibitions and confusion. If you've been #injected you'll likely find a pin prick with bruising"

How to tell if you've been spiked:

Some further advice on how to know if your drink has been spiked and what to do about it

Rd here: bit.ly/2Zr1DiC