A woman was in police custody last night after her boyfriend unwittingly drank from a cup of coffee that had been laced with rat poison.

The 44-year-old man was rushed to hospital by ambulance after swallowing some of the poison.

Paramedics were called to an address in Manningham, Bradford, early yesterday after he became ill.

The medics called in police, who arrested a 26-year-old woman – understood to be the man’s partner.

She remained in custody at a Bradford police station for questioning last night.

The man was given emergency treatment at Bradford Royal Infirmary but was later discharged as he recovered.

It is understood the woman was also treated at hospital for minor effects of the poison.

The couple, who live together, are understood to both be regarded as ‘vulnerable’.

A police spokesman confirmed officers were called to an address in the Manningham area in the early hours of yesterday to reports of a domestic-related incident.

The spokesman said: “A 44-year-old man is believed to have consumed a harmful pest control substance and was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary for treatment. He has since been discharged from hospital.

“A 26-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the incident and is in police custody.”

Rat poisons commonly contain a cocktail of metal phosphides such as aluminum, calcium, magnesium and zinc which can be harmful to humans. They can also contain anticoagulants which inhibit crucial blood clotting factors in the bloodstream causing severe internal bleeding.