An Armagh father is hitting out after his nine-year-old son was found playing with used needles.
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The needles were discovered by children in an area behind Longstone and St Luke's Hospital on the Loughgall Road.
Four young children sustained needle pricks after finding the syringes lying in grass on Tuesday night.
It is understood the needles were among a number of medical items thought to have been stolen from the grounds of the hospital.
The young boy's dad told UTV that he was "disgusted that children can access such items and find them while playing."
"I'm worried my son might pick up something nasty. He was taken to Craigavon Hospital to undergo blood tests."
A spokesperson for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust confirmed a clean up operation was underway to remove the items from the area.
"The Trust is co-operating with the PSNI into an investigation of the suspected unauthorised removal of clinical waste from the St Luke's/Longstone Hospital site in Armagh", he said.
"Items of clinical waste were found in an area bordering the site and reported to the PSNI by a local resident on Tuesday evening.
"As soon as the Trust became aware of the situation, the area was cordoned off, staff were present on site during the night, and a cleanup operation began at first light this morning.
"Follow up with the families involved is continuing, and Trust staff remain on site while the clean-up operation is completed."
Police have urged local parents to speak to their children about staying away from the area in case further items are discovered, and not to handle any unusual items they may see.
© UTV News