Police are investigating reports seven people were spiked with needles and drinks at a Kent bar.

A group of three women, a group of two women and a man, as well as a single man reported feeling unwell after visiting the Pitcher & Piano in Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, at the weekend.

Officers are looking into the possibility drinks were tampered with or needles used to administer substances to customers at the bar between midnight and 3am on Sunday, November 21.

One woman report feeling pain in her arm while one of the men pictured what is believed to be a syringe mark on his arm.

No further offences were reported against the victims, who are in their late teens and 20s, and none of the complainants witnessed or recovered needles.

Ch Insp Lizzie Jones, Tunbridge Wells district commander, said: "Investigators are working with this venue and carrying out enquiries into the circumstances including a review of CCTV footage.

"We take all reported incidents seriously and officers from our dedicated Community Safety Unit work closely with the town’s night-time venues to make them hostile places for those who may seek to exploit others and ensure members of staff recognise the signs of spiking and other criminal behaviour that might take place. Every incident reported to us is thoroughly investigated to identify any suspects and provide support and assurance to victims.

'You'd never think this sort of thing would happen in your home town...'

"We continue to encourage people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security staff in the first instance, to ensure immediate action can be taken and everyone can continue to socialise safely.

"Please remember that there is always help and support available if you need it, including via the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme where women can discreetly alert staff if they feel uneasy about a person they are with and require intervention."

One victim took to social media to raise awareness of the incident, claiming he blacked out for nearly five hours.

He said: "On Saturday night I was spiked via an injection at Pitcher & Piano in Tunbridge Wells. I blacked out for around 4-5 hours and have limited memory of what happened.

"After going to the police in the morning it came to light that two others girls had also been injected on the same night in the same venue. You'd never think this sort of thing would happen in your home town, especially to a bloke so just keep an eye on your mates if they start acting different in anyway."

Pitcher & Piano has been approached for comment.