PEOPLE in Kilwinning have been left shocked and disgusted after needles were found discarded outside a community centre in the town.

And locals are now urging caution following the discovery in light of the "very scary" consequences the discarded items may have caused.

The needles and attached syringes were found at the Cranberry Moss Community Centre on Cambusdoon Place in the Pennyburn area.

A post was shared online with regards to the find by local mum Kirsty Ward - who was only made aware of the needles after her 14-year-old daughter spotted them.

Kirsty commented: "We are just lucky she had the sense to come show me. She was playing on the ramp when she discovered them.

"Two of the needles were exposed and one was covered. So many kids go out with crocs on their feet - so nothing really protecting them - so very scary, as you never know what someone has and could be passed on.

"It's so dirty and really is disgusting. So many bins nearby and that's where they are dumped."

Thankfully, after contacting North Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland, the needles were quickly removed by local officers - though the message remains that people should be wary.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of discarded needles in the Camusdoon Place area of Kilwinning on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

“Officers attended and the needles were removed.”