A YOUNG woman who believes her drink was spiked during a night out says the experience has left her terrified and scared to leave the house.

Antonia Kelly, from Haresfinch, said she suspects she was drugged so her bag could be stolen.

The 20-year-old, who works for a transport company in Burtonwood, was in St Helens with a friend on January 20. She says she had two glasses of wine before feeling ill.

Antonia told the Star: “I don’t remember anything after that. My friend who told me what happened.

“Suddenly I wasn’t being my normal self. I started being aggressive and angry. My friend then spotted a woman walking away with my bag. When she shouted after her the woman started running. Apparently she threw it to a group of lads on Westfield Street.

“It was then I passed out. My boyfriend was called and he managed to bring me around. An ambulance was called but by the time it arrived I was on my way home.

“My bag held my driving licence, house and car keys and around £40.

“I later went to the hospital for blood tests. They have since called me back and told me that it has been confirmed that I had something like a date rape drug in my blood. This will be passed on to the police. I am so lucky no one touched me.

“When you think your parents are nagging you to be careful they are doing it because they care about you. I just want to raise awareness that it does happen to people.”

Police have issued advice to people on a night out: Keep your drinks with you at all times.

Don’t take drinks from strangers.

Pace yourself – you’re more vulnerable after a drink.

Take a taxi home that you trust.

If you’re unsure ask to see the driver’s licence before getting into the car.

If you’d rather get the bus check the times ahead.

Always try to stay with friends and call or text each other to make sure everyone is home safely.