A NEW investigation has been launched following reports clubbers were spiked while on a night-out in Colchester.

Walkabout, in Head Street, proved one of the go-to destinations for hundreds of revellers over the Halloween weekend.

However, the Gazette understands at least THREE of those people had to be taken to hospital during the early hours of Sunday morning after falling seriously unwell.

It has since been suggested they may have had their drinks spiked.

Gazette:

When questioned on whether the bar was aware of the claims, a spokeswoman for Walkabout said: “We are assisting the police in their investigation of these allegations and will provide them with our CCTV footage.

“The safety of our guests and our team 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 should they have concerns their drinks have been tampered with.”

The latest incidents come after Essex Police revealed they had arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower to allow sexual activity.

The arrest came as part of a police probe investigating seven reports of spiking over five different nights in Colchester.

Last weekend’s reports also come just days after officers revealed they have received 15 reports of drink spiking in the town since August 7.

The force, however, claims none of those have involved the use of injections and at least 11 urine samples have returned negative results.

But some people have suggested any traces of drugs may have dissipated from victims’ systems before the tests were conducted.

Gazette:

“We are aware there is increasing concern over alleged increases in spiking, and have, therefore, enhanced our measures,” the Walkabout spokeswoman added.

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