POLICE in Bournemouth are investigating at least four complaints of drug-assisted sexual assault, it has been revealed.

Cases have been reported within the town's gay and heterosexual communities in recent weeks.

Now officers have renewed warnings to the public.

They have urged people to be particularly careful when they are in public houses or night-clubs.

They said it is easy for offenders to slip drugs into drinks without their victims realising they have done so.

The offence first emerged in the United States about 10 years ago but has recently become prevalent in the United Kingdom.

Victims are often aware that something has happened to them but do not know exactly what.

They may have hazy recollections of the previous evening or may have even "lost" a couple of hours.

Superintendent Steve Burfitt said the public should note the following guidelines in a bid to reduce the risk of such offences taking place.

Do not accept drinks from strangers.

Never leave a drink unattended unless someone you know and trust is looking after it.

Try to stay with a friend and look after each other.

Consider drinking from a bottle - it is harder to put something into a bottle than a glass.

Do not share drinks or drink from shared containers.

If you think you have been drugged, ask someone you trust to take you to hospital. Never allow a stranger to take you to hospital.