Police in Aberdeen say they have received a report of an alleged spiking by injection at a nightclub in the city centre.
The report stems from a post on Twitter on Saturday evening, in which a woman claims to have been drugged at Babylon, located above College Bar on Alford Place, the previous night.
The tweet, posted by Arbroath-based account @edensmith0904, also includes a picture of the woman’s shoulder with a large discoloured patch.
It reads: “Just to warn girls that I was spiked by injection in Babylon Aberdeen last night, woke up with my arm in agony and zero recollection of my night.
“Luckily I was surrounded by good mates or my night could’ve ended very differently.
“Look out for each other and don’t wander off alone.”
The user received support from others in the comments below her tweet, with many expressing relief that she did not come to any harm after the alleged incident.
In a later post, the woman said: “I have been to the hospital and involved the police.”
Officers confirmed they had received a report.
Wave of spiking claims
The claim comes amid a number of reports of spiking by injections in venues across Scotland, prompting calls for more to be done to ensure women can enjoy a night out without fear of being drugged.
Earlier this week, a group of students in Aberdeen announced they would be participating in a boycott of nightclubs and pubs on October 28.
The campaign, which uses the name ‘girlsnightin’, is among several taking place in cities around the UK.
On its web page about spiking, advice service Drinkaware says: “A person’s drink can be spiked to make them more vulnerable for a variety of reasons, including theft, sexual assault or as an attempted joke.”
There are no official statistics on the crime, and it can often go unreported as victims may not remember details of the night or may feel embarrassed.
Health secretary comments
Earlier today, Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said the focus should be on “taking action” against men who spike drinks, rather than venues.
Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday Show, the former justice secretary said: “My view, having discussed this issue as a government, is that the night-time industry are very, very concerned and are doing everything they possibly can.
“I don’t think we want to beat the night-time industry over the head because of this issue.
“It is the perpetrators – the men, because let’s be honest it is men perpetrating this – that we need to get through to and if necessary take action against.”
Babylon nightclub has been contacted for comment.
Anyone with concerns about drink spiking can contact Rape Crisis Scotland on 08088 010302 everyday between 6pm and midnight.
