NSW Police shut down claims of Byron Bay Schoolies syringe stabbing outside Great Northern Hotel

Police have rubbished claims a teen was stabbed in the neck with a heroin-loaded syringe outside a popular pub during Byron Bay Schoolies celebrations. Here’s what actually happened.

The Northern Hotel in Byron Bay on Jonson St. Picture: Supplied.

Police have rubbished claims a teenage girl was stabbed in the neck with a heroin-loaded syringe outside a popular pub during Byron Bay Schoolies celebrations.

Scores of concerned school leavers told this publication on Thursday the incident occurred outside The Northern Hotel on the tourist town’s main drag, Jonson St, shortly before midnight Wednesday.

Several of the cohort claimed the young girl was on the pavement being treated by paramedics, and had been jabbed in the neck with the drug-filled needle.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said on Wednesday the incident did not happen – but did confirm a girl suffered an “alcohol-induced medical episode” outside the venue.

No update was provided on her condition or recovery.

Speculation over similar incidents has run rampant at Schoolies events over the years.

In 2021, rumours of a beach-dwelling bogeyman armed with a needle full of meth sent a wave of fear over partygoers at Gold Coast Schoolies, with police shutting that claim down too.

The cohort claims a teenage girl was stabbed in the neck with a heroin-loaded syringe. Picture: Generic.

The NSW Police spokeswoman said there has been no arrests related to the Byron celebrations and school leavers have been “quite well behaved”.

However, schoolie Anna Procter, 18, said her Airbnb was ransacked by thieves, with $10,000 worth of personal items stolen.

“We had Dyson Air Wraps, Apple airpods, UE Boom speakers and other personal items stolen,” she said.

NSW Police confirmed that incident and said an investigation was under way.

“About 2.50am today (Thursday), police were called to a home on Shirley Lane, Byron Bay, following reports of a break and enter,” the spokeswoman said.

“Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were told unknown people have entered the property before leaving with cash and several personal items.

“A crime scene was established, and an investigation commenced. Inquiries are ongoing.”

When asked about general safety, school leaver Scarlett Charra, 18, said on Thursday: “Byron feels safer than I imagine the Goldy’ (Gold Coast) would”.

“It’s more peaceful and wholesome here. I feel fine walking from the bars to my accommodation alone at night,” she said.

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Originally published as NSW Police shut down claims of Byron Bay Schoolies syringe stabbing outside Great Northern Hotel