A SALTCOATS care worker was left distraught after a yob plunged a needle in to her whilst she was working in Largs at the weekend.

And now she faces an agonising wait to see if there are any serious health complications after the horrifying incident.

Around 6.30pm on Saturday, July 6, the care worker was in Nelson Street, near Harper Crescent, when a man approached her. She was standing near to her work vehicle, a white Vauxhall Corsa, when the man jagged her with a needle.

The 50-year-old woman has been left distraught by the incident and was taken to Crosshouse Hospital. She will have to undergo a series of tests and examinations over several months to ensure she has not suffered any lasting health issues.

The suspect is white, aged around 30, with a slim build and a gaunt appearance. He was wearing a light grey hooded top, black jogging trousers and a grey baseball cap. Following the incident, he ran off.

Officers are continuing to carry out door-to-door enquiries and they are checking CCTV footage for any additional information on the suspect.

Detective Sergeant Stephen McCulloch said: “This act has been carried out by a despicable individual, causing the victim a great deal of stress and anxiety. I am appealing to people in the area to think back and consider if they saw this man. Did you see anything which could assist us in identifying him? Have you overheard anyone talking about the incident? Any small piece of information could prove significant in our enquiries, so please do pass it on.”

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers in Saltcoats Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 3975 of Saturday 6 July 2019. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.