Colchester clubber, 19, recounts spiking horror

The 19-year-old from Colchester, who has asked to remain anonymous, was partying on a night-out in the town centre.

After arriving at Yates, in Head Street, Colchester, she ordered and then consumed a drink while dancing with three friends, including two boys.

She blacked out before finding herself in a toilet cubicle, unable to move, dripping with sweat, foaming at the mouth and being sick.

“I do not remember how I got there but I was physically unable to do anything, even lift my head out the toilet or get my phone call for help,” she said.

“My speech was slurred and I was foaming at the mouth but someone heard me and then the manager at Yates kicked the door down to get me out.

“I was hysterically crying and I felt freezing, yet I was also soaked in sweat, but someone recognised me so they called my friends.

“I knew something was not right because I go out a lot and I have a high alcohol tolerance and I never do drugs, but I had hit a brick wall and was completely out of it.”

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After receiving a phone call from someone who happened to know the young woman’s family, her mum rushed to the bar before taking her to Colchester Hospital.

She says her urine sample tested positive for Opioids, a type of drug which can be laced with heroine or fentanyl, which is similar to morphine but much stronger.

“I remember being in the hospital and my eyes were just rolling. I would never want to feel like that again,” she added.

“It is so scary and I never thought it would happen to me but I will not let it stop me going out or ruin my life.

“If the wrong person found me I dread to think what could have happened to me, but I shouldn’t be made feel like something bad is going to happen when I go out.”

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This incident is one of many Colchester spiking reports Essex Police are currently investigating.

The young woman’s mum added: “When you hear all these other victim statements they are all so similar.

“It is a nightmare, yet these men and women are viewed as if they are just drunk.

“Any parent should be terrified.”

A spokeswoman for Yates Colchester has now said the venue is committed to ensuring its customers are kept safe on a night out.

She said: “The safety of our guests and our team, has always been, and remains, our number one priority and we continually review our safety and security procedures to ensure our customers and staff remain safe. 

"We treat all allegations of spiking seriously and ask customers to bring this to our attention immediately should they have concerns their drinks have been tampered with. 

“We are aware there is increasing concern over alleged increases in spiking in clubs and bars, and have therefore enhanced our measures, including drink covers, and employed Guest Support to assist any guests that are feeling vulnerable or unwell. 

"These team members are easily identifiable, as they wear a neon armband.

"We have enhanced security checks on our door, and we ask guests remain vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to one of our team immediately."

READ MORE: Fresh spiking probe launched in Colchester after new reports

Essex Police have confirmed they are looking into the teenager's reports but so far no arrests have been made.

A spokeswoman said: "We are investigating after we received a report of a woman having her drink spiked at a pub in Colchester.

"It is reported that a 19-year-old woman had taken ill at a venue in Head Street on the evening of September 18.

"The report was made to us on Monday September 20.

"The woman was taken to hospital for assessment. No arrests have been made and our enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone who has information on the incident should call us on 101 and quote 42/203174/21."