Police have received a dramatic increase in reports of drinks being spiked in the county - increasing more than six-fold in three years.

The number of incidents referred to police went up from eight in 2015 and 12 in 2016 to 53 in 2017.

That is a rise of 562%.

There has also been a rise nationally, according to Freedom of Information requests responded to by 38 of the country's 45 police forces.

It shows the number of spiking incidents has doubled across the country over three years to 1,039 in 2017.

Former Home Office toxicologist Jim Campbell said: "I'm not surprised because there's been a lot of press coverage and it's now very easy to get hold of drugs.

"I know there are campaigns in universities but I think the issue is wide spread and I don't think it's just for sexual assault.

"Spiking is a way of getting back at people."

He added that once drugged, people can be coerced into acts including handing over cash.

Kent Police said the county remains a "safe place to socialise", adding the risk of being a victim remains low.

Chief Superintendent Andy Pritchard of the Public Protection and Partnership Department said: "The increase in the recorded number of drink spiking incidents is largely down to changes in the way we record crime.

"If a person reports that their drink has been spiked, we now record it as a crime without medical evidence.

"Furthermore it is important to point out that incidents recorded do not necessarily mean that someone has had an unknown substance put in their drink.

"An incident will go on the record if someone is given more alcohol in a drink than they expected.

"Our message about drink spiking is simple, do not accept drinks from strangers and do not leave your drink unattended.

"We work with a number of partners and charities to help people who may become vulnerable on an evening out. In some towns we have safe areas, where people can have a cup of coffee and find a safe way to get home.

"We have also launched the ‘ask for Angela’ campaign which enables people to discreetly ask bar staff for help if they feel they are not in a safe situation.

"The vast majority of people enjoy the nightlife of Kent without incident and we continue to work with our partner agencies to offer people who find themselves vulnerable a safe place where they can get help."