TWO men have been arrested in connection with needle sticking and drink spiking.

A 28-year-old man, from Hove, and a 19-year-old man, from Brighton, have been arrested on suspicion of administering poison with intent to injure.

Both have been bailed while enquiries continue.

Sussex Police previously announced it is investigating seven separate incidents of women being spiked with needles.

In a statement, Sussex Police said: “Police have received a number of recent reports of people becoming unwell during or after nights out, with some finding puncture marks on their body or believing their drink had been tampered with.

“Officers have increased patrols as part of their continued work policing the night-time economy and have been working closely with partners and licensed premises on initiatives to help keep people safe.

“These include unannounced licence checks at venues, briefings with security staff prior to opening and targeted, visible patrols around bars, clubs and restaurants every night of the week.”

Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw, divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, said: “We continue to work around the clock to investigate these troubling reports and will do everything in our power to catch the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“Please be assured that we take all reports incredibly seriously and ask anybody who believes they may have been a victim to let police or bar staff know as soon as possible so they can be tested before potential drugs leave their system and evidence can be gathered.

“Reports can also be made to police online, via 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.”

Sussex Police said it initially received two reports from women feeling unwell after nights out in Brighton on Tuesday, October 26, and into the early hours of Wednesday morning.

In the following days, four women reported having been injected while out in Brighton city centre.

A woman also reported being injected on a night out in Eastbourne on Saturday.

It follows reports of other “spiking” incidents in several parts of the country, including Nottingham and Exeter.

The Government website Talk to Frank offers guidance on spiking and can be accessed here https://www.talktofrank.com/news/spiking.