Disgust as drug needle stabs tot
A TINY tot's treat to the seaside turned into a nightmare when she was spiked by a discarded drug needle as she played with her bucket and spade.Two-year-old Millie Parkins spent four hours in hospital - and test results are still awaited on her - after the scare on Sunday on the stretch of sands close to the Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth.
A TINY tot's treat to the seaside turned into a nightmare when she was spiked by a discarded drug needle as she played with her bucket and spade.
Two-year-old Millie Parkins spent four hours in hospital - and test results are still awaited on her - after the scare on Sunday on the stretch of sands close to the Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth.
A senior councillor was sickened by news of what happened. And little Millie's policewoman mother, Emma Sikora, has warned other mums and dads to beware.
Mrs Sikora, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, said she could not praise enough the actions of para-medics and a nearby caf� owner on what she described as the most terrible day of her life.
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Graham Plant, cabinet member for tourism at the borough council, said he shared her revulsion.
He said: “It is absolutely gut-wrenching. I am really upset that someone could be injured on a Yarmouth beach in this way. I am sure it is a one-off and I do not think we will be hearing of this again, although I realise this doesn't help the mother of this young child.”
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Mr Plant said early sunshine had tempted more people to the beaches than was usual at this time of year. He stressed that keeping the beaches clean was a high priority and that the council would keep a close and frequent eye on them.
Millie's family, including dad Marcus Parkins and her grandparents, were enjoying a weekend break at Waveney River Centre, Burgh St Peter.
Mrs Sikora said: “My daugh-ter was collecting pebbles and she pulled her hand up and there was a needle stuck in it. She has had to have blood tests for hepatitis B and HIV, although the risks are mini-mal, and we will have to wait up to six months for the results.
“You do not go to the beach and expect a child to be spiked. She is just two years old, and to be put through all this and to have to have an Aids test is horrible.
“It was the most terrible day of my life. I just want people to know there could be hidden dangers.”
