SYRINGES left by drug users at a disused Marston pub have sparked a warning from police.

Officers have urged people to be on their guard after discovering the discarded needles around the boarded-up Friar pub in Old Marston Road, Marston.

Last night, residents said they were disgusted by the thought of needles, but were not surprised that a handful had been found. They have since been cleared away.

Sergeant Paula Wynn, from the Marston neighbourhood team, said: “Through patrolling the local area the PCSOs became aware there was some drugs paraphernalia around the disused pub.

“We would like to highlight the issue for the local community for health and safety reasons.

“Syringes can be dangerous. If they had been used they carry all sorts of different infections.

“Anyone who sees them should report it to the police or the local Marston neighbourhood team.”

PCSO George Dean added: “If anyone sees any needles or drug paraphernalia they should not touch it but instead call us. It is dangerous.”

Sgt Wynn said Marston was not a big “drug area” but said tackling drug offences was the police team’s second priority after being identified as a concern by local residents.

She said: “It’s not something we’ve come across before in that area and we are increasing patrols.

“I wouldn’t say it’s normal to find this, but a PCSO is more likely to come across them than a member of the public.”

Oxford City Council’s street wardens said last year they find more needles in Blackbird Leys than any other Oxford estate. Picking up and disposing of ‘sharps’ is one of their main jobs, on their patrols around Blackbird and Greater Leys, Rose Hill, Littlemore, Wood Farm and Barton.

Between July and December last year, the team recorded 260 incidents across the city.

Mother-of-two Zoe Singleton, 29, of Marston Road, Oxford, said: “It’s no surprise to me.

“I’ve had to phone the council before because I found a needle in Croft Road as I was walking back from the park with my kids.

“My sister’s garden backs on to Croft Road Park and they found a lot of needles there. It disgusts me.”

Tesco bought the pub from restaurateur Clinton Pugh in 2008, who had planned to build shops and flats on the site.

But last September Oxford City Council dismissed the proposal to build an Express Store and now the supermarket giant is appealing.

Mick Haines, 70, of Croft Road, Marston, said: “The cars are already parking on there and making a mess and now this.

“It will definitely give Tesco ammunition to build on it. It’s very dangerous, especially for the local children. It’s all open at the back.”