POLICE are investigating after a potentially lethal drug was found in a teenager's blood.

The traces of GHB were found when 18 year old Eva Davies was taken to hospital after a night out.

But nightclub managers say they operate a "zero tolerance" policy to drugs and are urging clubbers "to be vigilant".

It comes as revellers across Southampton hit the city's bars and clubs for festive drinks and Christmas parties.

Eva, from Maybush, was celebrating a friend's 18th birthday party at Oceana last Friday night.

But when she got back home at 4.30am her parents were worried.

Mum Karen said: "I was expecting her back about three am- but I knew something wasn't right straight away. Her eyes were like saucers, she was talking gibberish and nothing was making sense. Then when her father tried to get her out of the bathroom she pushed him into the bath.

"The gibbering went on til about 6.30. It wasn't until about 8.30 in the morning was said oh my god, what happened. She doesn't have clue how she got home."

Although Eva had gone to the club with friends, she became separated from the group and had to make her way home on her own - but had no idea how she made her way back there.

And after Karen, 44, spoke to the police an ambulance came and took them both to Southampton General Hospital.

But it wasn't until 2pm on Saturday that the blood test results came back, saying there were traces in GHB in Eva's blood.

Now mum Karen, 44, an accounts supervisor, said she wants people to be aware of the dangers of clubbing - and for club owners to take action.

She said: "“It’s terrifying to think that girls like this can be targeted when they’re on a night out especially at big clubs.

“You don’t expect something like this to happen to your own daughter because you would have thought that the clubs would be able to do something to stop people spiking drinks.

"She's a sensible girl and has had an apprenticeship since the age of 16. Her boyfriend is really sensible too.

"I want the club to do more to protect young people, especially at this time of year when more people go out for nights or to celebrate Christmas and New Year.”

A spokesperson from Oceana said: “The safety and enjoyment of our customers is our number one priority and we operate a stringent door policy, with zero tolerance to drugs and antisocial behaviour.

"Whilst we take any allegations seriously, nothing was reported to us on the night nor have we had any contact from the Police, but if they do get in touch we will offer our full co-operation.

"We would always urge customers to be vigilant of their drinks and not leave them unattended and report any suspicious behaviour to one of our staff or on-sight welfare team.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: "We are investigating a report of a theft at Oceana nightclub after an 18-year-old-woman reported her bag had been stolen after her drink had been spiked on Friday 15 December.

"We are currently carrying out enquiries to ascertain the exact circumstances of what happened.

They added: “We are working with Oceana nightclub with regards to this report and the investigation is ongoing. Although incidents of drink-spiking are rare we would like to remind people to take extra care in bars and clubs and be wary of anyone acting suspiciously around you. "Be careful accepting drinks from strangers, never leave your drink unattended and always stay with friends."

“Anyone with information regarding this incident or suspected drink-spiking is asked to contact us 101 and quote 44170491048.”

ABOUT GHB

GHB (gammahydroxybutrate) and GBL (gammabutyrolactone), are closely related, dangerous drugs with similar sedative and anaesthetic effects.

GBL is converted to GHB shortly after entering the body. Both produce a feeling of euphoria and can reduce inhibitions and cause sleepiness.

But both can kill and are particularly dangerous when used with alcohol and other depressant or sedative substances.

The effects start after about 10 minutes to an hour and can last for up to seven hours.

Both GHB and GBL can cause unconsciousness, coma and death