A DAD found a used syringe on Boscombe beach as he walked with his one-year-old son.

Solicitor Charles Garegnani said it was the second time he has found a needle in that spot and suspects they are being washed through the storm drains.

The area has gone through a multi-million pound regeneration to combat Boscombe’s reputation as a drugs hot spot.

Mr Garegnani, a Frenchman now living in the area, said the beach was generally clean and the problem appeared to be an overflow gully.

He said: “I’m concerned a lot of needles are being washed into the sea in that area. I hope something can be done.

“They both had caps on the top but it’s not very nice. They were definitely used.”

Mr Garegnani, who is a kite surfer, also found a needle in his front garden and said “There’s a problem with this, especially in Boscombe.

“I have found four needles now.”

Chris Saunders, Bournemouth council’s seafront development manager, said: “This resident did the right thing by immediately notifying our beach cleaners, who were on the beach as part of their daily routine.

“The beach cleaning team patrol regularly to keep our beaches clean and safe and pay particular attention to areas around the storm drains following heavy rain.”

A Wessex Water spokesman said: “It was unclear if the syringe got there from being discarded on the beach or from being washed through the storm drain.

“This was an inappropriate way of disposing of something that could have caused serious injury.”