A group of young children discovered what appears to be drug paraphernalia on a playing green in Bessbrook on Tuesday evening.
Bessbrook Community Residents’ Association highlighted the alarming find, saying a number of concerned parents had been in touch on Tuesday evening to alert others to the existence of the used needles.
The offending items (pictured) were discovered on the green between High Street and Dobsons.
The Association said: “They were found by a group of young children playing on the green this evening, and one of the children has had to seek urgent medical treatment, as they pricked themselves with one of the used needles.
“Police have been informed and would urge parents to be careful of where their children are playing, and if anymore are found to contact them and/or environmental health in the council.”
“Alarming” Drug Paraphernalia Find
Sinn Féin Councillor Roisin Mulgrew described the finding as “extremely alarming”.
The local Councillor said: “As a community we want our children to experience the freedom of the summer holidays and he brighter nights and I share the revulsion of the entire community and condemn totally the reckless actions of those who show little regard for the safety of others.
“It is particularly concerning to hear that a child has been taken to A&E after handling the items which were so callously discarded.
“I have spoken to a number of parents who have expressed disappointment at the response from PSNI when contacted.
“I intend to raise these issues with the PSNI and also to request that the environmental health department investigate and organise a thorough clean up of the area.
“I urge all parents to tell their children not to touch anything, no matter how curious, that they find while playing outside.”
Concluding the councillor said: “Communities cannot accept this type of activity. It is criminal, harmful to the individuals involved and ultimately the whole community. In particular the dealers, these who peddle this culture of death and destruction within our communities have to be apprehended and face the full rigours or the law.”
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