A MOTHER has spoken of her horror after her son was pricked by a used needle believed to have been discarded by drug users in Minehead.

The 11-year-old was with a group of friends when they stumbled across the abandoned needles and other drug paraphernalia at the Rose Gardens in Alcombe.

His mother told the County Gazette: “The children picked up the needles and my son was pricked by one.

I had a phone call from the police to say what had happened – it was just awful. “He’s been tested for HIV and has already had one vaccination for it and is due to have another one.

“It’s so scary – I don’t think he realises how serious it could have been.”

She said she wanted to tell of her son’s horrific ordeal to raise awareness to other parents.

Police have since cleared the area and opened it up to eliminate the risk of drug users abusing it again.

PC Mark Curran said: “We have been going into schools telling children about the risks of drugs and what to do if they find needles or any other paraphernalia.

“Dirty needles are highly dangerous and the drug users who have done this are vile.

“There were at least a dozen dirty needles and there were sharp bins around – there was no need for them to be left lying around, it’s disgusting.”

But the mum, who wants to remain anonymous, said she is frustrated that nothing is being done.

She added: “There is not enough being done, the police say there isn’t a drugs problem in Minehead but I think there is.

"This shouldn’t be allowed and the parks and other areas like this should be patrolled properly.”

Another parent who wished to remain anonymous told the County Gazette people are too scared to use a nearby park in Alcombe because of drug users.

She said users are in the baby park every day, even as early as 9am, lying on benches surrounded by needles and empty drink cans.

She said: “It’s a lovely park and a lovely area with a lot of elderly living here. It’s awful that we don’t feel safe.

“They always hang around in big groups which is very intimidating.”

Her toddler nearly picked up a used needle in the park last year, she said.

She added: “It was just horrendous, he was only three at the time. Children don’t understand. Mums are too scared to go into the park with their children; my family go to one elsewhere now.”

PC Curran said: “Nowhere in the country is clear of drugs but Minehead hardly has any crime and there is not a drugs problem here. If any children do find drugs, don’t touch them go and find or call a police officer or the council or get someone in uniform from a nearby shop.”

A spokesman for West Somerset Council said: “We advise anyone who discovers needles not to touch or handle them and report their location to the council on 01643-703704, who will arrange for their collection and disposal.”

Anyone with information regarding suspected drug crime is urged to call the police on 101.