POLICE are warning clubbers to be on their guard after a number of people had their drinks spiked in Bournemouth and had to go to hospital.

The incidents happened in the town centre over the weekend as thousands of young people descended on Bournemouth's nightspots.

At least two of the victims were admitted to Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

A third victim displayed a range of symptoms including violent vomiting and loss of consciousness.

The man, who did not want to be named, said: "I had only drunk two glasses of wine but I must have passed out because I cannot remember anything about the evening and was violently sick."

He added: "My friend had to take me home. It is the last time I am going there if this kind of thing goes on."

A spokesman for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital confirmed that two patients were admitted over the weekend and treated for symptoms relating to drink spiking but have since been discharged.

Bournemouth DI Andy Scriven said: "There are a number of different drugs out there. We want to spread the message for people to take care.

"People should preferably drink from bottles instead of leaving them unguarded and they should ask for them to be opened in front of them."

Last month the Echo revealed the results of a survey which showed that one in four women who regularly go to pubs and clubs said they have had their drinks spiked.

And also in October we reported how Danny House, 23, of Poulner, Ringwood, had his drink spiked with the powerful drug GHB while enjoying a night out with friends in Bournemouth.

A pioneering campaign to highlight the dangers of drink spiking was successfully launched by Dorset police last autumn.

Thousands of information booklets, posters and beer mats have now been distributed to licensed premises across the county featuring Spike - a menacing tablet with spiky hair.

HOW TO BEAT THE DRINK SPIKERS

DO:

Stay with a friend and look after each other;

Ask for bottles to be opened in front of you or watch the drink being poured;

Drink from a bottle or a can - it's much more difficult to spike than an open topped glass - and keep the top covered;

Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect you or a friend have had a drink spiked;

Report any suspected drink spiking to the pub/club staff and the police immediately.

DO NOT:

Accept a drink from a stranger or someone you do not completely trust;

Leave drinks unattended. If you think it has been tampered with do not drink it;

Share drinks or drink from shared containers;

Ignore good advice from a trusted friend;

Accept a lift home from someone you did not go out with if you suddenly feel unwell or allow a friend to go with anyone in those circumstances.

First published: November 17