The thoughtless actions of a drug user could have cost a Perth woman her life, appalled city centre councillors have said.
Tayside Police are looking into the incident that saw the horrified resident discover a discarded needle concealed in one of her wellington boots.
The woman had left the boots in a close outside her home and only narrowly avoided stabbing herself on the needle, which was uncapped and apparently used.
She contacted police in a state of shock and was advised to attend Perth Royal Infirmary as a precaution. The discovery was made in Perth’s George Street, an upmarket shopping and residential area.
The resident’s ordeal sparked anger among city centre councillors who said the consequences could have been devastating.
Discarded needles and syringes carry a risk of blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B and C and HIV and they will now seek a meeting with Tayside Police to discuss the matter.
George Street is not known for any issues with drug misuse and the force believes the discovery is an isolated incident.
City centre councillor Archie MacLellan praised police for their efforts to combat drugs within Perth, but said the city, like any other community, had its problems with drug use.
“It’s appalling someone should discard a needle in such a careless way,” he said.
“It is bad enough an adult finding that, but if it had been a child there could have been long-term or even fatal consequences.This sort of thing simply should not happen and it must have been a terrible shock for the woman involved.”
Mr MacLellan added: “We are fortunate in this area that the police are so vigilant and are doing so much to crack down on dealers.”
Fellow city centre councillor Jack Coburn said he would raise the issue with police.
“To conceal a needle in this fashion is a ridiculous thing to do and it shows that some people just don’t think about anything other than injecting,” he said.
Councillor Heather Stewart added: “This was an extremely dangerous incident. We are working hard to make sure that drug use is kept to a minimum, but like every town and city we do have a drugs problem.
“Hopefully it is an isolated incident, but sadly it just illustrates that people have to be vigilant in this day and age.”
A police spokeswoman said: “We received a report of a discarded needle found in a wellington boot in Perth’s George Street at 2.30pm on Wednesday January 23. The matter is under inquiry and the woman was advised to attend at Perth Royal Infirmary.”
Anyone who has information regarding drug misuse or dealing is asked to contact police on 0300 555 1111.
Residents who find such discarded drug litter in the Perth area should either call Perth and Kinross Council on 01738 475000 or Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222 to arrange collection of the items.