A suspected heroin needle has been found by children playing football.
The syringe and other paraphernalia, including a ‘spoon’ for heating the drug, was discovered in an entry in the Shankill area of West Belfast on Sunday.
Ian McLaughlin, from the Ainsworth Residents Association, discovered the material at around 4pm.
He said: "I was out the back cleaning the yard when I heard these kids talking, saying things like 'what is it?', 'you pick it up'. So I went out to have a look at what they were on about and there it was lying on the ground. They were young kids and they'd been playing football a few minutes earlier.
"It's worrying that they could have picked this thing up. I rang the police and in fairness they were out in less than 20 minutes and took it away. They said it was heroin alright."
DUP Councillor Brian Kingston said he was "shocked that this syringe was left in an open alleyway where it was found by two young teenage boys".
He added: "They were understandably curious as to what it was and could have come to great harm.
"I must commend local community worker Ian McLaughlin who overheard their conversation, who intervened and contacted the police to dispose of the syringe and other items.
"PSNI officers who attended were in no doubt that the syringe contained heroin, given that it was accompanied by a small metal bowl in which the drug was likely heated.
"We have had incidents of drugs paraphernalia being abandoned in public areas close to the city centre and it is even more worrying when syringes are being found in residential areas.
"Whilst one has every sympathy for people suffering from drug addiction, it is outrageous that a syringe with a needle, apparently containing heroin, should be just abandoned in a public alleyway in a residential area where it can found by children.
"Anyone being aware of such items should contact the PSNI or Belfast City Council which provides a specialist disposal service.
"Party colleagues and I will be raising this incident with the PSNI and with community and statutory agencies to highlight the need for vigilance and awareness."
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