A THREE-year-old boy was left “covered in blood” after picking up needles and tissues in a park.

Zaiden Kearley’s horrified mother said the toddler has been given a clean bill of health, but she is furious he was “seconds from picking up a life-changing disease”.

Nadine Kearley had taken her three children to Taunton’s Hamilton Park, where they were running around and playing before the incident on Sunday afternoon.

“They were enjoying themselves by the bandstand in the second field,” said Mrs Kearley, who lives with her family in Leycroft Road.

“I walked over to see they were alright and noticed Zaiden’s hands were covered in blood and there were several needles on the ground.

“It was a real mess – there was blood all over the needles and inside the syringe, piles of tissues with blood on and blood on the metal frames and splattered everywhere.

“I was horrified. My stomach flipped. My year-old son Jenson was just yards away.”

Fortunately the needle did not pierce Zaiden’s skin and she was advised by a health hotline that he was not in any danger.

“I still rushed him home for a bath immediately,” said Mrs Kearley.

“That’s our local park, but we won’t be going back.

“My daughter Lydia, who’s eight, was shocked and asked not to go there again.

“I’ve witnessed lots of needles lying around, but this is the first time when I’ve been with the kids.

“I’m sick to death of it. I don’t feel comfortable and don’t feel my children are safe any more.

“Zaiden’s life could have changed forever – he was seconds from picking up a life-changing disease.”

A Taunton Deane Council spokeswoman said leaving used needles and syringes where children could pick them up is “disappointing and potentially dangerous”.

She added: “The council is committed to making Taunton cleaner and greener and is investing £25,000 in employing an extra cleaner in the coming year with a specific focus on collecting discarded needles and syringes.

“Anyone finding discarded needles and syringes should contact the council by phoning 01823-356356.

“Taunton Deane will respond to incidents that pose a potential hazard 24/7.

“The public are strongly advised not to touch needles/syringes or try to dispose of them.”