Police appealing for information following reports of a spiking in Rochdale

The incident occurred in The Dressers Arms pub in Heywood on Friday 4 August 2023 at around 10pm.

The female victim was approached by an unknown man at the bar. Later, she started to feel dizzy and ill.

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

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."

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 06/08/23.

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 our officers to act

You can report any crime to GMP by calling 101 or via the GMP website using the reporting tool: 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 have 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?