Drink spiking test kits in bars

The drink testing kits can check for Rohypnol, Ketamine and GHB

Special detection kits for so-called "date rape" drugs are being handed out in bars in Ashford, Kent.

The kits contain a small pipette and three test areas which will test for ketamine, Rohypnol and GHB.

Police have distributed them to bar staff so customers who suspect their drink is spiked can ask for a test.

According to national figures, more than 60% of spiking takes place in pubs and clubs, and victims are most likely to be women aged between 18 and 30.

'Frightening trend'

Officers say that unlike the effects of alcohol, which are gradual, a spiked drink will generally cause sudden dizziness, nausea, vomiting, uninhibited feelings and memory loss.

Police say victims are left extremely vulnerable and at risk of sex attacks.

Drink-spiking is a serious offence and carries a five-year custodial sentence, a spokesman said.

But he added while drink spiking was "a frightening trend" that had increased nationally in recent years, it was rare in Kent.