POLICE have launched an urgent investigation after a Littleport man was pricked by a hypodermic needle that had been deliberately wedged into a swing in a children s play area. Parish council worker Jason Law has had to have multiple injections including

POLICE have launched an urgent investigation after a Littleport man was pricked by a hypodermic needle that had been deliberately wedged into a swing in a children's play area.

Parish council worker Jason Law has had to have multiple injections including two for hepatitis and tetanus, and is anxiously awaiting results of blood tests after he caught his leg on the needle which had been deliberately wedged into a swing on the Parsons Lane play park.

Police are appealing for information about the incident and have confirmed that an investigation has been launched, and they are treating as it as actual bodily harm (ABH).

Mr Law, 44, told the Ely Standard: "I normally go over to the park every Monday to check for needles, but in recent weeks I have been going every day as it is becoming an increasing problem.

"Last Monday (Feb 1) I was searching the park as normal when I approached the swing and felt a stabbing pain in my leg, I turned round and discovered that a needle had been lodged in the rope of one of the swings.

"I went straight to the doctors and have had to have a lot of injections and I will need to go back in six months time for another course. I am having a lot of sleepless nights.

"I'm not glad that it happened to me but I would rather it happen to me than a child who could have been injured or even picked up the needle."

Mr Law also revealed that he has collected more than 20 needles since he started cleaning the park in November, including one day when he found eight.

Despite the agonising wait to see if he has caught anything from the needle, Mr Law said the he will continue to carry out his weekly sweep of the park, along with four other parks he deals with in the area.

Mr Law's concern was echoed by police sergeant Will Davis, who said that the needle had been sent to forensic examiners to determine whether a match could be found, he said:

"Hypodermic needles left in the park by drug users are causing us great concern, said Sergeant Davis,

"The parish council do a daily clean-up of the park to remove all the needles left there but day after day they are still appearing.

"We have conducted numerous drug-related warrants in the area to deal with those people using drugs and have had a great deal of success. However, we are still seeing needles appear.

"We really need the community to be alert to this. The last thing we want is a child to be injured by these needles.

"If anyone sees any drug activity taking place at the park I would urge them to contact the police on 0345 456 4564."

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Have you noticed any needles at the play park? What do you think should be done? Contact the newsdesk on 01353 6667831 or email Daniel.mansfield@archant.co.uk

01113: Mr Law alongside the swing where he was pricked by the needle. Photo: HELEN DRAKE.