A TEENAGER and his mother face an agonising wait for the results of medical tests after he fell near syringes discarded by drug users.

There are fears that the youngster, who lives on the Woodhouse Close Estate, in Bishop Auckland, might have pricked his the hand on a used needle when he tumbled into bushes while playing with a friend.

His mother, who took him to Bishop Auckland General Hospital, said doctors had tested his blood for the liver disease hepatitis B, but it would be another four months before he can be given a clean bill of health.

She backed a police call for drug users not to throw away used syringes, saying: "We see them all over the place. My son and his friends know not to touch them, but this was an accident.

"I am worried about him. It will be along time before we know if he is alright."

PC Shaun Goad, the estate's beat officer, said: "There are safe ways of disposing of syringes. Drug users should think of others and not leave them lying around where children can pick them up."

A 24-hour needle exchange operates at the hospital's accident and emergency department, although users are asked to call between 8am and 10pm.

Users need to register and will be given a reference number and a card. Details are available on (01325) 300427.

Anyone who finds a syringe should leave it where it is, but inform Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.