Parents warned to be vigilant after needles found at St Helens park
Syringes discovered near swings and slides
Police are urging people to be vigilant after needles were discovered in a park’s play area in the Fingerpost area of St Helens. The needles were found in Nanny Goat Park, some upturned on play equipment, on Saturday. Officers are on patrol in the area providing reassurance to local people and checking parks and play areas across the town. Officers are also liaising with St Helens Council. Inspector Dave Brennan said: "This is a worrying incident and it is only due to the vigilance of members of the public that nobody is believed to have been hurt by the needles. They appear to have been deliberately pushed into a swing and left near the slide. "This is very dangerous and whoever has done this clearly has no concern for the safety of children who may be playing in the area. "Fortunately the mother of a child spotted the needle on the swing before a child could use it, but other children playing may not have been aware of what they could have found. "We are taking this seriously and doing all we can to trace whoever is responsible. At this stage it appears to be an isolated incident in the town and there have been no further reports of any similar incidents in St Helens. Clearly this is very concerning and I would urge the public to be vigilant and report any similar incidents to police immediately." Anyone with any information is urged to call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.