A FRIGHTENED mother has warned parents to be on the alert after youngsters removed the needle from a bloodstained syringe found near a newly-opened play area.

Karen Ingham, of Lancaster Drive, Padiham, said a local child found the syringe about 100 yards away from the Malvern Avenue play area, removed the needle and filled it with water before squirting it at other children.

When the play area at Stonemoor Bottom estate was being officially opened she went along, with her son Ashley-James, aged five, to discuss the find with Burnley councillors.

She said: "The mother of the little boy gave the syringe and needle to me and I decided to draw it to the attention of the councillors. "We as a community must be aware of what is going on. I do not think it is from anyone on the estate but parents and children must be warned. If a child finds a syringe they should make an adult aware of what they have found and not pick it up.

"We must get through to children that these syringes could be dangerous."

Mrs Ingham said Councillors Barry Guttridge, Granville Lord and John Harbour said they would be asking the rangers to be extra vigilant. She added: "I just want children to keep an eye out when they are playing in the area and report anything they find to an adult."

Assistant parks manager Simon Goff said: "A litter pick and inspection of the site was carried out before the play area opened.

"We are now writing to all of the residents appealing for them to report anything that is happening in the area. They should contact the ranger service on 01282 831053."

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