Police are warning the public to guard against drink spiking. Picture: JUSTIN McMANUS
Wollongong detectives are investigating a possible drink spiking after a woman was sexually assaulted in the early hours of yesterday.
Police have been told the 18-year-old woman was with friends at the Grand Hotel in the Wollongong CBD at 10.35pm on Wednesday night when an unknown man bought her a drink.
The victim recalls dancing at the pub before waking up about 3.45am yesterday to find the man assaulting her.
She made her way to Memorial Park at Corrimal, where she was picked up by a friend and taken to Wollongong Police Station.
She was then taken to Wollongong Hospital.
Police said the location of the assault was unknown, but it could have been in a house.
They are appealing for help to identify the attacker and are looking into the possibility that the victim's drink was spiked.
Anyone with information about this incident - including anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity at the Grand Hotel on Wednesday night - is urged to call Wollongong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
In the wake of this assault police also issued a range of safety tips to guard against drink spiking.
These include not accepting drinks from people you don't know, not leaving your drinks unattended and not tasting other people's drinks.
If you feel strange, tell a friend and go to a safe place.
Do not leave the premises with people you don't trust.