Drug Needles Found In Children's Park

Police have carried out raids in a Hampshire village, after used drug needles were found in a children's play area.

Officers from East Hampshire have now carried out a number of raids in Liss as part of their response to deal with the discovery.

On Wednesday, March 30, officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and the Tasking Team executed a warrant at a residential property in Lambs Lease. Officers removed various items from the property.

A 40-year-old man from Liss has been arrested and released on bail pending further enquiries.

This was the second raid in successive weeks following a warrant at a residential address in Dennis Way on Saturday, March 19.

A 36-year-old woman from Liss and a 40-year-old man from Liss have been arrested and released on bail pending further enquiries.

Both warrants were carried out as part of an investigation into the discovery of used hypodermic needles in the playing areas of Newman Collard Park.

The area, which is popular which children and sports clubs, backs onto Liss Infant School.

So far, seven needles have been located and in one incident, an eight-year-old girl was accidentally pricked by a needle as she picked it up. The girl is now undertaking a course of antibiotics as a precaution.

PC Andy Smith, from the Liss and Hawkley Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said:

“These raids are in direct response to the wishes of local residents to rid Liss of drugs and to remove the impact their use has on the community. If you have any
information about drug use in the area, please get in touch.

“I’d also like to remind people to be vigilant when using the play area and to remind their children to be aware of the dangers of touching needles.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Smith at Petersfield police station on 101, via the website at www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/contact/message_officer.htm

or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.