Police investigate spiking in Heywood after woman finds 'injection mark' on leg after 'feeling dizzy and ill' the night before

Police are investigating after a woman was spiked with a needle in a Heywood pub on Friday night (4 August).

The female victim was approached at the bar of The Dressers Arms pub by an unknown man at around 10pm. Later, she started to feel dizzy and ill.

The next morning, she had an unexplained mark on her thigh, resembling an injection mark from a needle, which she did not have the night before.

Detective Inspector Sam Taylor, of GMP’s Rochdale Criminal Investigation Department, said: “Spiking is a horrible experience for anyone and we encourage everyone on a night out to have fun, but remain alert and if anyone sees anything suspicious to report it to us right away.

“Operation Lioness is running throughout the summer to help ensure those on a night out are protected and supported.

“There will be extra, dedicated patrols of uniformed and plain clothes officers in hotspots across Greater Manchester this summer to help detect and deter offences."

The Dressers Arms is understood to be "fully supporting" the police following the incident.

Posting on Facebook, the Dressers Arms said: "We have fully supported the police in this matter. They have had the full CCTV given to them to review and we still don’t know 100% that the incident happened in here like the police are stating that the moment.

"The police’s post doesn’t have the full facts till they have reviewed hours of CCTV. And once again, thank you for your continued love and support; it doesn’t go unnoticed."

A previous CCTV image issued by the police in error has been removed from this article.

Anyone who was in the pub at the time and might have witnessed the incident is urged to contact police on 101, quoting log number 0169 of 060823.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you are a victim – or you see something that doesn’t feel right – please report it to police to enable officers to act.

You can report any crime to GMP by calling 101 or via the GMP website: www.gmp.police.uk

ALWAYS dial 999 in an emergency.

---

Support available across Greater Manchester

Operation Lioness equipped licenced premises across some parts of Greater Manchester with vital information, testing kits, and Ask for Angela material to safeguard people on nights out.

GMP has also worked with the GMCA to create the Good Night Out guide, and place additional resources within the night time economy.

• Information on drink spiking and date rape drugs
• Support on rape and sexual assault

Take a look at Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)'s 'Good Night Out' guide resources below: 

• Five tips for a proper good night out
• Safe places and help points
• Trusted people and services
• How to report or get help
• Need to talk to someone?