Police are investigating two reports of needle spiking in Andover this year.

The two alleged incidents are said to have taken place in the town centre on Friday, November 19 and Saturday, December 4 respectively.

No arrests have been made and Hampshire Constabulary have launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances.

The exact locations have not been released.

The news comes a day after it was revealed a man had been arrested on suspicion of a similar incident in Basingstoke last month.

The 21-year-old from Hook was arrested on suspicion of administering poison or noxious thing with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy after an alleged incident at Plush Lounge Bar on November 19.

Earlier this year, scores of reports came forward from people who said they had been spiked by needles whilst in nightclubs and other venues.

Around 140 confirmed reports were made in September and October.

Hampshire Constabulary have opened an investigation into the Andover incidents and are establishing the circumstances.

Inspector Chris Taylor said: “Our Licensing team is in regular contact with all licensed premises in Andover, and the wider Test Valley district, to ensure the venues are run safely and any incidents are reported to us in a timely manner.

“We want the residents of Andover to feel safe and confident to report incidents like this to us. Each report will be investigated, and we will continue to work with premises in the town so residents can enjoy nights out safely.

“We will relentlessly pursue the perpetrators of this crime, a crime that carries a potential 10-year prison sentence.”

Reacting, Andover MP Kit Malthouse said: "This new offence is causing serious concern and I am alarmed it seems to have come to Andover.

"Since the start of reports coming in from across the UK, the Police moved quickly to establish a national “gold group” to investigate and stamp out these unpleasant incidents, and I’m sure Hampshire will learn from that experience as they pursue these allegations.” 

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson added: "Any incident of spiking is very scary and can have devastating consequences, however we would like to reassure people that these incidents are in fact, incredibly rare.

"Those who have reported that they have been spiked by a needle across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have said they have felt very unwell and then later found a mark on themselves.

"Common spiking symptoms are confusion, lack of coordination, slurred speech, nausea, hallucinations, vomiting, paranoia and unconsciousness.

"If you think you or a friend has been spiked, tell a member of staff straight away, seek medical attention and report it to the police.

"You can get in touch by using our online reporting tool: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/."