A young boy has been treated in hospital after he was jabbed by a hypodermic needle while playing at a school in Cork city.

The boy (5) had to be treated in hospital after he picked up a needle that was thrown into the playground of North Presentation primary school on the city's northside, minutes before break time yesterday.

He was taken to Mercy University Hospital for tests. His family now face an anxious time as await results of those tests.

The school says the incident occurred because of issues outside of the school, and outside of its control. The Board of Management is already working with gardaí to address concerns about anti-social behaviour in the lanes around Gerald Griffin Street.

Parents dropping children off at school yesterday reported seeing two seperate incidents of drug users 'shooting up' nearby.

The school says the yard is checked daily by the caretaker, who clears any litter or hazards from the yard.

Speaking to Cork's Red FM, Sinn Féin Councillor Thomas Gould says garda patrols must be increased: