It follows three incidents in Middlesbrough reported last weekend where unattended drinks are believed to have been tampered with.

Cleveland Police said all three women felt ill immediately after drinking from their glass.

In this case, the women all managed to get home safely.

Extra care

District Licensing Officer Sergeant Paul Higgins said: "The consequences of spiking someone's drink are potentially very dangerous.

"Thankfully in these recent cases all the women were out with friends who made sure they got home safely.

"Whilst we don't believe this practice is widespread it is important that we warn people without alarming them to take extra care with their drinks."

Mr Higgins urged people not to leave drinks unattended, not to accept drinks from strangers and not to drink it if it tastes strange.