A SCHOOLGIRL needed hospital treatment after picking up discarded hypodermic needles at a popular children's play area being used as a den by drug addicts.

And her furious mother has branded those who left the needles "irresponsible".

Newport girl Jenna Pullen, eight, now needs blood tests to see whether she has contracted hepatitis from them - and further injections to help prevent her contracting the disease.

Jenna was out playing with two friends on a grassy play area known as the Dingle near her home in Scott Close, Gaer, on Friday afternoon when she stumbled on the used needles.

When she picked up the needles, she pricked the tip of a finger and ran into her home to inform concerned mother Susan, 41.

Mrs Pullen took the needles to Newport Central police station and officers advised that Jenna be taken immediately to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital.

On arrival she underwent a blood test and was given an hepatitis immunisation jab as a precaution.

And although doctors said it appeared the needle had not pierced the skin, Jenna must have two further hepatitis jabs within the next two months and another blood test in six months time. Medical staff do not believe the incident has left the youngster at risk from HIV infection.

Last night Susan Pullen blasted the culprits for dumping the needles in a play area.

She said: "My worry is that there could be an even more serious injury in the future. It could have been worse but the fact that my daughter has to have all these jabs is an awful ordeal for her.

"Where the needles were found is a grass area and the children regularly use it for handstands and so on.

"I am sure it is drug users who have left these needles. They shouldn't be doing drugs around here in the first place but to leave needles lying around is completely irresponsible."

It is not the first time that the play area, popular with local children has been blighted by discarded syringes.

In August last year, the Argus reported how Gaer mother, Fiona Clarke, who lives in nearby Sheridan Close, was horrified when her ten-year-old daughter Rebecca found a syringe and needle while playing in the same area.

A police spokesman said: "We would urge anyone who sees any evidence of drug abuse to report it to us as soon as possible so we can investigate."

Anyone wishing to report drug offences can do so by calling 01633 244999/838111.