A duty solicitor was inadvertently poisoned at a Cumbrian police station last week, after drinking coffee that contained insecticide.

Cath McAteer, an associate with Barrow-in-Furness firm Brown & Murray, was offered the drink at Barrow police station while waiting to see a client.


She told the Gazette there was powder on the kitchen surfaces to treat an ant problem. An officer washed and dried a cup for her, using a tea towel that must have been contaminated with the powder and transferred it to the cup.


She said: 'As I drank the coffee I smelled mouldy bread. My lips went dry, I felt tingly then clammy. I got a headache and stomach cramp.'


The police surgeon was called who referred Ms McAteer straight to casualty, where it was confirmed she was suffering from poisoning.


Ms McAteer, who recovered after 12 hours, added: 'Next time I go there I shall go armed with my own flask.'


Superintendent Garry Horlacher, South Cumbria police commander, said the force had apologised to Ms McAteer for the incident.