The parents of a youngster who pricked his finger on a hypodermic needle in a park face an agonising wait to find out if he has caught any diseases.
The incident happened when Kerry Gordon, 23, and partner David Simpson, 27, took their four-year-old son Callum to play football in Southchurch Hall Park, in Southend.
Blood tests - Callum with his mum Kerry Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
Miss Gordon, who lives with David and Callum in Kilworth Avenue, Southend, said: "The ball went behind the bushes and Callum went to get it. He pricked his finger but said it was on the bush.
"Then he told us it was a needle. We looked behind the bush and found it. I could not believe it and felt sick."
The couple phoned Southend Hospital who advised them to take Callum to hospital straight away, which they did after handing the needle to the park warden.
Callum underwent several blood tests.
Now his parents must anxiously wait to see if he has contracted hepatitis C or B or the HIV virus.
Mr Simpson said he was furious his son's life had been put in danger.
He claimed many parts of Southchurch were turning into a "smackheads' paradise".
He said: "I am absolutely disgusted that you are unable to take a four-year old boy to the park to play football without worrying what he might find."
Published Monday, April 7 , 2003
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