Multiple spiking incidents at Labyrinth night club

The incidents occurred at Labyrinth night club in Winchester Street during the night of Saturday, November 16. Two women aged in their 30s and 20s reported being spiked.

One of the women had her drink spiked while the other was physically spiked with a needle.

Police have launched an investigation into the incidents and are urging anyone with information to get in touch.

READ MORE: 'No one recognised what happened to me' - Woman spiked during Basingstoke night out

Labyrinth at the Top of Town (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We can confirm that on 19 November, we received a report that a woman in her 30s had her drink spiked at around 10.30pm on Saturday 16 November in Labyrinth nightclub on Winchester Street (44240504673).

"On 18 November, we received a report that a woman in her 20s had been spiked by a needle at around 11pm on Saturday 16 November in Labyrinth nightclub on Winchester Street (44240502878).

"Officers have launched investigations following these reports and anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting the reference numbers above.

"We would like to reassure the local community that we take all reports of drink spiking and needle spiking extremely seriously.

"We have been working very closely with bars, pubs and clubs in the area. We are working to ensure that all venues are ‘spike aware’ and that staff are able to care for people who are reporting they have been spiked and we are urging people to call the police if they believe themselves, or someone they know, has been spiked.

"Since 1 April, we have received 11 spiking reports in Basingstoke. This compares with 44 in Southampton, 29 in Portsmouth and nine in Winchester.

"Across the whole force, we have seen a reduction of reported incidents over the past three years – with figures previously peaking nationwide in highly populated student-related areas in autumn 2021. During August and December of this period, there were a total of 212 spiking incidents reported to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.

"Incidents of spiking have decreased throughout the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since then – with figures having more than halved for the same period in 2023; with 91 offences being reported to police."

Basingstoke Town Inspector, Charlie Ilderton, said: "We take each and every report of spiking very seriously and our officers work hard to protect those who have fallen victim to drink and needle spiking whilst out enjoying the night time economy that Basingstoke has to offer.

"We are very clear that violence, intimidation, misogyny, sexism and harassment of any kind is not acceptable in any form. That is why we are committed to identifying and relentlessly pursuing perpetrators, especially those who purposely set out to target and cause intentional harm to women and girls.

"We would like to urge people to not to be a bystander to any suspected spiking incidents – whether that be involving a woman or a man. We would implore people to report any incidents to venue staff or offer up information about those responsible directly to the police if they suspect anything untoward has occurred. 

"Our message is clear – we do not tolerate any form of spiking at all. Individuals who are going out intending to behave in this way in our local communities will be found, stopped and brought to justice."

The Gazette has contacted Labyrinth for a response.