People are being urged to take care after a spate of needles were found outside a former pub.

The sealed sharp objects, thought to be insulin needles, have been discovered on the temporary walkway outside the former Red Lion pub on Main Street, Egremont.

Kimberly Graffin, 45, who lives at Market Place, said she had found and removed a number of needles, on three separate occasions.

She said: “Two weeks ago I came across the first batch. I noticed them on the ground and thought, what are those?

“The vicar lady looked as well and we picked them up and realised they were sealed.

“We were worried if people stepped on them, it would inflict injury. We took them to West Croft House Surgery and thought it must be an accident.

“Three days later there was a new batch in the exact same spot, and another batch in the last few days. Someone is doing it intentionally.

“It just seems such an odd thing for them to be in the same spot.”

A leading councillor is now urging the public to report any similar incidents to Copeland Council.

Neil Ferguson, chairman of Egremont town council, is also calling for the town to have its own needle bank to prevent similar incidents happening in the future.

He said: “It’s very dangerous. Hopefully we can catch who is doing it and stop them.

“There’s no indication of where they’re from.

“It’s one thing to leave them in bushes but to leave them on the main street in an area where kids could come across them, especially young children, is another.

“The best thing people can do is report it to the borough council and they will send someone down with a proper needle box to collect them.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have a needle bank.

“The nearest one is Cleator Moor. I think Egremont definitely needs one.”

He added: “Perpetrators - please dispose of needles safely.

“Anyone who comes across them, report it, and they will be disposed of correctly.”

A spokesman for Copeland Council said: “We received a report of needles being found in this area, from Egremont Town Council, today. Upon inspection no needles were found and 50 phials were removed.

“The council advises that any findings of needles be reported immediately on 01946 598300 and trained operatives will arrange for the objects to be cleared.”