5:27pm Monday 26th February 2001
A SINGLE mum left her new home to move in with her mother when her daughter found a bloody hypodermic needle discarded on her doorstep.
Daniella Tatman, six, of Valley Road, St Paul's Cray picked up the needle as she was leaving the house with her mother, Samantha, 33.
It was the second time they had found needles in the two weeks since they had moved from their home in Saltwood Close, Orpington.
But for Miss Tatman, that was two times too often and she is now staying with her mother in West Wickham until she feels it is safe to return.
She said: “The needle was bent and it looked as though there was blood in the bottom of it.
“I'm convinced it was used for heroin especially as I heard there have been drug dealers in the area.”
She added: “I burst into tears I felt so scared for my child and there is no way I could let her play in the garden with needles lying around.”
“I also reported my discovery to the police and Broomleigh Housing Association.”
Community policeman PC Jim Duncan said: “We would warn anyone who finds a needle in the street to be careful. They can be extremely dangerous and should be disposed of safely.”
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