A WOMAN was taken to hospital after a suspected needle spiking incident in a city centre nightclub.

The victim said she went for a night out with friends at Popworld in West Street, Brighton on Saturday, but then collapsed soon after arriving.

In a public Facebook post, the woman said she was approached by two men who “continuously attempted to buy me drinks” before friends noticed she was acting strangely and escorted her to the bar.

She was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton by the ambulance service shortly before midnight.

Sussex Police confirmed a suspected puncture mark was later found on her body.

A spokesman for the force said: “On Sunday, police received a report of a woman becoming unwell on a night out in Brighton the previous evening, with a suspected puncture mark later found on her body.

“She was taken to hospital by the ambulance service shortly before midnight on Saturday.

“Officers visited and engaged with the victim, and a full investigation has been launched, which includes the submission of material for toxicology tests and close work with the licensed venue to ensure any available evidence is captured.”

A spokeswoman for Popworld said the venue was aware that a suspected spiking incident had taken place and that the business is assisting police with their investigation.

She said: “We would like to reassure all our guests that customer safety and wellbeing is our priority. We continue to have enhanced safety measures in place including searches on entry, publicising ‘Ask Angela’ in our toilets, providing drinks covers to anyone who wants them, and we also have guest support colleagues.

“If any guest has concerns or feels vulnerable, they can ask the guest support colleague or any other member of our team for help.

“We continue to work with the police and local authorities to ensure a safe night out is had by all.”

Usually, the term "spiking" refers to when someone is given alcohol or drugs without their knowledge, usually in a drink.

However, last year saw an increase in the number of reports of people being spiked by a needle while on a night out.

In October, six women reported being injected in Brighton in a single week.