The boy – a pupil of the school - was out playing football with friends in a garden in Southesk Street when he stood on the used needle. He was subsequently taken to Ninewells Hospital for tests.

Shockingly, that occurred just 24 hours after a man had found a bag of used needles and other drugs paraphernalia in the same garden.

The incident has angered locals and Joan Stott, a member of the Montrose Area Community Safety Partnership and chair of Montrose Community Council, said she was "gobsmacked" by the news and said she hoped someone would report the irresponsible junkie to the police.

She said: "This is horrific. It's very sad if this is what's happening in our town. I'm appalled by it, I really am.

"I was aware there were drugs in the town, and what people do behind closed doors is their business – but when there's a risk of vulnerable people being harmed by their habit that's a problem.

"It's not just one person that's affected by this – it's a whole circle of people. It's a living nightmare.

"Someone must have seen something though."

The incident comes just weeks after an eight year-old boy in Arbroath was stuck by a needle concealed in a bag as he played on ground near Montrose Road.

Since then, Angus Council have issued letters to all primary and secondary school pupils as a reminder to the dangers of handling needles, saying that, in the event of such a discovery, people should leave the items well alone.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "To tie in with a safety awareness initiative by Tayside Police, Angus Council recently issued letters to parents of all primary and secondary schoolchildren, reminding them of the dangers of handling drug paraphernalia.

"We remind members of the public that they should not themselves attempt to dispose of discarded needles or other drugs-related objects but should report the finding to Angus Council's ACCESSLine on 08452 777 778. The council will arrange for safe and prompt disposal of these items."

Montrose Inspector Iain Wales said that there was no excuse for junkies not to dispose of needles properly, as there was a needle exchange programme in the town.

He said: "There's no excuse for this because there are needle exchange programmes in place. If you are a drug addict they will swap dirty needles for clean ones.

"There's an issue all over Tayside and it's a constant fight. It is an ongoing issue and just because people don't always see doors being kicked in and things like that it doesn't mean things aren't going on in the background. Drugs are still a priority for us."

He also urged anyone with any information to contact the police.
If you do suffer a needle stick injury gently squeeze the surrounding skin to promote bleeding and never suck or rub the affected area. Wash the area with lots of soap and hot water and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

If you have any information about who may have been responsible for irresponsibly discarding the needles or about drug dealers in Angus, contact Tayside Police on 0845 600 5705. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.