Needles Discovered Near Children's Play Area
Residents have expressed anger following the discovery of needles associated with drug use near a children's play area. At least eight used syringes were found beneath a bridge close to Clooney Road in Ballykelly, County Londonderry.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stated they will "continue to use high visibility" patrols in the vicinity and are committed to "arrest drug dealers involved in the sale and supply of drugs and put them before the courts".
Local resident JP McDaid conveyed the community's reaction to the find.
"Primary school and secondary school children would use this underpass to get safely to their school buses everyday and to see in this area has really angered a lot of people," he told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme.
"A total disregard for human safety is ridiculous.
Hopefully, action will be taken to address this growing problem."
Dangers to Children Highlighted
Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Nicholl warned of the potential serious consequences if a child had come into contact with the needles.
"It doesn't bear thinking about, what could have come out of it," he said.
Nicholl urged those responsible for discarding the needles in this manner to "wise up, step up and stop whatever they're doing".
The PSNI confirmed that the needles have been collected and disposed of safely. They advise anyone who finds a syringe or needle not to touch it but to contact the police or their local council for safe disposal.
"Officers would also remind those who use needles of the risks to others that they cause by discarding these items so wantonly," a spokesperson said.
"Such items can be dangerous, especially to younger children who may not be aware of what they have found."
