Road crews working on A585 windy Harbour Bypass in Lancashire warned after hypodermic needles left in cones

Police have been informed after a number of hypodermic syringe type needles were found stuck to cones being used during work on the bypass project at Windy Harbour.

The discovery caused lead road constructor Kier Transportation's Safety Health and Environment department to send out a message advising workers to be extra vigilant and wear "appropriate gloves".

The road authority says while there is no certain proof that deliberate harm was intended, it warns that extra care will now be needed.

Lancashire Police are taking the incident seriously and have issued a number to call if anyone has information about it.

Road users have voiced frustration with delays to the road project's completion and some say that traffic congestion - the reason the bypass was commissioned in the first place - has been made even worse since the new road partially opened in January.

However, National Highways says work is progressing well on the final phase of the road, with the stretch at Mains Lane, near Old Mains Lane, to be closed overnignt tonight (Friday February 16) from 9.30pm to 5am.

In a social media post, Kier Transportation stated: "Whilst there is no evidence to suggest this was done for the purpose of causing harm to the operatives or others, it does serve as a timely reminder of the need for cautioin and extra vigilance when using work equipment that has been left on site for any perioid of time.

"Ensure you are wearing appropriate gloves for the task you are undertaking at all times.

"When selecting gloves consider the need for enhanced cut and puncture resistance."

Lancashire Police said: "We have been made aware of this and would ask anybody with information to contact police on 101."

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The discovery of hypodermic needles in traffic cones alongside our A585 Windy Harbour scheme is very concerning, and sadly demonstrates the challenges our workforce can face.

"Safety is our top priority and we do everything we can to prepare for these kind of situations. Our teams wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to strict health and safety guidelines. Colleagues working on this part of the network will carry out additional checks and be extra vigilant.”