PRIMARY school children in Ayrshire have been tested for HIV and hepatitis after an incident involving a discarded needle.

The group of youngsters are believed to have discovered the used syringe in a skip near the Redburn Community Centre in Irvine.

They were taken to Crosshouse Hospital for blood tests before being allowed home following the incident on Sunday.

Hazel Anderson, consultant in public health for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, told the BBC: "We have been made aware of an incident where a group of young children discovered a discarded needle outside a local facility.

"A risk assessment was carried out on the children involved.

"While the risk of exposure to any blood-borne virus is extremely low, NHS Ayrshire & Arran has taken some precautions to ensure the health and safety of the children involved.

"We would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public, particularly children, not to pick up or touch any discarded needles, and to inform the local authority, who will arrange for the needle to be removed."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "An incident where several children suffered needle sticks was reported to police.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of what happened."